Gonzales Independent School District

Human Resources Department

Job Title:  Occupational Therapist

Exemption Status: Exempt/Professional

Reports to: Executive Director, State and Federal Programs                   

Dept./School: Special Programs/Districtwide

Primary Purpose:

Plan and provide therapy to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities as determined by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) committee.  Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities.

Qualifications (Experience/Education/Certification):

• Master's degree in occupational therapy (required)
• Valid Texas license as an Occupational Therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.
• Valid Texas drivers license

Major Responsibilities:

• Plans and provides therapy services consistent with integrated, collaborative goals contained in student’s Individual Education Plans (IEP); Evaluates student progress and determines readiness for termination of occupational therapy services; designs, constructs, alters and provides students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence.
• Assesses students with disabilities and determines eligibility for services; participates in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee to assist with the interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to district procedures.
• Consults with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy; provides staff development training to assist school personnel with the use of adaptive equipment and understanding of the OT program to enhance their work with students.
• Promote student’s maximum independence and access/participation within the school programming through designing, constructing, altering or modifying adaptive equipment and assistive devices as well as the student’s environment.
• Compile, maintain and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.  Documentation requirements may include evaluations, progress reports, Medicaid billing, and service logs.
• Comply with Federal IDEA, Texas Education Agency state law, and local GISD procedures.
• Effectively communicates with colleagues, students, parents, and community personnel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities: 

• Maintain confidentiality. 
• Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible. 
• Demonstrate an acceptance of and an ability and willingness to work with individuals of varying physical and mental capacities from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. 
• Keep appointments and adhere to designated work schedule. 
• Use time in a productive manner. 
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully work collaboratively and independently. 
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Skill Requirements:

• Knowledge of school based therapy theory, techniques, methodologies and equipment used in occupational therapy.
• Ability to have a dynamic practice by utilizing evidence based treatment and being aware of best practices in education.
• Ability to select and administer appropriate assessment instruments/evaluations.
• Knowledge of normal child development patterns
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws and regulations affecting service delivery.
• Communicate effectively with a wide variety of personnel, IEP team members, teachers, and families.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• May direct and monitor the work of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard testing equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
• Posture: Frequent sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), occasional heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.