Occupational Therapist

Reports To

Coordinator of Special Education

Work Year Days

184

Salary

Actual salary will be calculated based on experience.

Primary Purpose

Plan and provide occupational therapy to students with disabilities who require the related service of occupational therapy to benefit from special education services.  Assess/evaluate students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical functioning and/or adapt the school environment to minimize the impact of disabilities.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:Bachelor’s degree or higher in occupational therapy

Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Special Knowledge/Skills:  Knowledge of rehabilitation procedures, activities, and equipment used in occupational therapyAbility to instruct students and support their unique needs

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Experience:Minimum of one year of experience as an occupational therapist perferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Assessment/Evaluation: Collect, organize and interpret student information from guardians and teachers, as well as relevant assessment data from the cumulative folder and outside evaluation reports.Conduct classroom observations and interviews with guardians, staff, and students.Review available data to determine appropriate evaluation materials, procedures, and equipment.Administer and interpret individual assessments to determine if a student meets educational criteria and/or exhibits a need for special education services according to federal and state regulations.Complete occupational therapy portion of Full and Individual Evaluation reports within the district special education data management system.Review occupational therapy evaluation results with guardians, including interpretation of evaluation data and educational needs of the student.Participate in the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to make recommendations regarding educational need for services and to assist with the interpretation of evaluation data, appropriate placement, specified timelines, and development of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for students according to district procedures.

Provision of Services:Plan and provide individual and/or group occupational therapy services to students as outlined in the IEP.Maintain documentation of student progress and occupational therapy service provision within the special education data management system.Continuously monitor student progress, make changes during service provision and recommend adjustments to IEP, as needed.Consult and train district staff, outside service providers, and guardians regarding disability criteria and the development and implementation of the IEP.Recommend interventions, instructional strategies, equipment, and/or educational aids to promote maximum student independence.

Campus, Program and Colleague Support:Facilitate and/or coach staff on the implementation of quality special education programming.Communicate current legal findings related to federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, local board policies, and operating procedures in the area of evaluation, planning, placement, and delivery of special education services.Provide guidance, training, and supervision to occupational therapy students seeking licensure and the completion of graduate degree program requirements and maintain documentation required. Provide guidance and supervision to occupational therapy assistants in accordance with requirements by relevant governing agencies.

Communication:Maintain a positive, professional, and effective relationship with supervisors, administrators, educators, staff, students, and parents.Use effective verbal and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.Maintain confidentiality of student, parent, and school information and records at all times.

Administration:Compile, maintain, file and/or upload all physical and digital reports, records, and other required documents within the district special education data management system.Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and Frisco ISD.Comply with all department and campus procedures.Utilize the district special education data management system with proficiency and accuracy.Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment, including attendance at department and team meetings.Participate in campus, district, and/or team meetings as applicable for student referrals, IEP development, and/or other purposes as needed.

Other Duties as Assigned

Frisco ISD retains the right to adjust the responsibilities and assignments of all positions as needed to meet the needs of the District.

Work Relationships

Frisco ISD is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that honors and supports the social and emotional well-being of all.  Employees are expected to interact in a manner that is becoming of educators and promotes high levels of productivity for the benefit of the students we serve.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned. Physical demands include: frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and transferring students to and from wheelchairs and assisting with positioning students with physical disabilities. Exposure to biological hazards.

Special Education General Employee Expectation:The Special Education Department maintains an expectation that all staff will assume shared responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of all students and adults; which may include implementing, supporting and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and/or providing school health, related, and personal care services.

Disclosure Statements

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.   The Frisco Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, or disability status of otherwise qualified individuals. FISD does not discriminate on the basis of membership or application for membership in the uniformed services.