14-01-02

C213

5/20/97

12/3/97

Revised: 4/9/03

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

POSITION SUMMARY

Works with classroom teachers and other staff to promote the success of students with disabilities. The Occupational Therapist establishes and maintains an atmosphere that emphasizes mutual respect, self-worth, self-discipline, confidence, cooperation, consideration and responsibility.

Reports to: Director of Special Education

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Evaluates specified students in areas of gross motor, fine motor, perceptual motor, self-help and/or environmental adaptations to determine need for occupational therapy services
Documents all evaluations, observations and meetings and maintains records on students, as required
Meets with school personnel, parents and appropriate agencies and specialists in order to interpret findings and coordinate the appropriate services for students
Provides occupational therapy services for specified students
Consults with teachers, parents, OT students and others in providing relevant in-service training, program planning, adaptation of physical environment or modification of curricular procedures in order to adapt to educational needs
Participates with teachers and special services staff in the development of students' IEPs
Communicates, as needed, with program specialists, community agencies, physicians and staff members to provide appropriate services for the OT students
Participates in the Special Education process, as appropriate, and maintains awareness of current developments in the area of occupational therapy as it relates to special education
Researches, acquires and maintains necessary equipment and instructional materials
Maintains services and records in compliance with district policy, state and federal laws
Supervises the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Communicates with the Director of Special Education potential problems, district policies and procedures, and verbal or written directives
Performs related duties, as required

QUALIFICATIONS

A. REQUIRED

Bachelor's degree
Current Certification from the National Board of Certified Occupational Therapists (NBCOT)
Current State of Arizona Occupational Therapist license
Thorough working knowledge of the integration of occupational therapy in the school environment and the domains of related services
Thorough working knowledge of a variety of treatment techniques appropriate for educational settings
Thorough knowledge of I.D.E.A., as well as other relevant state and federal statutes
Knowledge of theories, treatment procedures and research relevant to providing services to Special Education students

DESIRED

Three years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist
Bilingual skills; Spanish/English

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time

Ability to remain seated for extended periods of time

Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds

Ability to multi-task in an office setting

Ability to listen and hear in conference room settings, with or without reasonable accommodations

Ability to twist, bend, stoop and pull

Ability to research, analyze and formulate decisions quickly

- Ability to sustain extended work hours and handle problem situations

Ability to exercise judgment in accordance with established procedures
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely
Ability to organize and coordinate in a team setting, with multiple professionals, students, parents, agencies and other staff members
Ability to maintain a positive attitude about his/her profession and towards students and team members