2025-2026 Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Purpose Statement

The job of Occupational Therapist is done for the purpose/s of assessing students' functional physical development level; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives; identifying architectural barriers; providing recommendations for accessibility, program development and student placement; and providing direction to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.

This job reports to Director of Special Services

Essential Functions

• Assesses students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for treatment, appropriate assistive devices and/or school placement.
• Consistent interaction with students for the purpose of educating students.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services, making recommendations and/or coordinating occupational therapy services with those of other disciplines.
• Develops treatment plans, interventions and/or educational materials for the purpose of remediating students' motor skill deficits and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Directs the work of assigned COTAs for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved.
• Instructs students, parents, PARAs, teachers and staff for the purpose of providing information on medical/behavioral attributes, use of assistive devices and/or implementing plans for remediation of functional limitations.
• Interprets medical reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains student files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Performs site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for the purpose of providing direct therapy interventions and assistance as required.
• Provides direct occupational therapy service (e.g. constructing equipment, recommending adaptations to classrooms, student services, etc.) for the purpose of developing students daily living skills in compliance with established goals and objectives.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Responds to inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or referral as appropriate.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy strategies; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; stages of child development; abnormal development and medical diagnoses related to special education funding categories; current OT treatment interventions; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; maintaining effective working relationships; and translating therapy data into meaningful educational activities.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience   Job related experience within specialized field is required.

Education (Minimum)   Bachelors degree in job-related area

Education (Preferred)

Equivalency  None Specified

Required Testing   None Specified

Continuing Educ. / Training   Maintain Certificate/License

Certificates Licenses   Board Certified State License

Clearances   Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status      Exempt

Approval Date  7/1/2021

Salary Grade    See Certificated Salary Schedule

The purpose and utilization of job descriptions in Liberty Public School District #53 are to ensure the essential  functions of each position are articulated in order to create a clear understanding of job expectations for the  incumbent while also providing a framework through which the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of employees  may be enhanced.