JOB DESCRIPTION     

                                                                                                       Class Code:  7291

Position Title: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Responsible To: Director of Special Education

Basic Function: To provide occupational therapy assessments and services that are necessary for the student to benefit from his/her special education program.

Performance Responsibilities:

1. Obtains parent and Admissions and Release Committee permission to evaluate and provide therapy. Maintains communication with parents, teachers, and other staff as appropriate.
2. Provides assessments for referred individuals, which may include developmental level, sensorimotor, neuromuscular, fine motor, perceptual, self-help, and pre-vocational skills.
3. Assist ARC in developing goals based on the assessment to enhance motor development, sensory processing, improve self-help skills, and to improve classroom function.
4. Develops treatment plan to implement the educational goals. Provides activity suggestions for the classroom and the home, when appropriate. Maintains communication with the parents and school staff to implement IEP goals.
5. Interprets results of the occupational therapy assessment to the parents and appropriate personnel. 6. Assists teachers and parents in techniques for positioning, handling, relaxation, feeding, and self-help skills; assists parents and teachers in modifying the environment and providing appropriate activities.
6. Determines, recommends, and oversees equipment and architectural modifications which will allow the student to function more independently.

Knowledge of:

• Principals and techniques of occupational therapy.
• Laws and regulations concerning medical records and therapeutic services.
• Neurology, anatomy, neuroanatomy and physiology.
• Crafts including materials and equipment required, analysis of physical requirements, analysis of exercise or other contributions as treatment for special disabilities, contraindications for use as treatment for specific disability or when other conditions exist.
• Methods, materials, and equipment used to alter existing or fabricate specialized equipment. · Safety precautions including hazards associated with client’s specific activities.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Public speaking techniques.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Principles of training and supervising staff.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. Job Description Occupational Therapist, Registered Page Two Ability to:
• Provide occupational therapy to eligible individuals.
• Determine and evaluate treatment.
• Plan, prepare, and make oral presentations.
• Communicate effectively with families of handicapped individuals.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Monitor and evaluate equipment needs.
• Prepare written evaluations and review medical and therapy reports.
• Train and supervise others.
• Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of related technological advances and other matters.
• Lift heavy objects.
• Operate office and therapeutic equipment.
• Prioritize and schedule work.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Perform CPR as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited four-year occupational therapy program with successful completion of six months internship and two years’ experience working in pediatric, physical or occupational therapy.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Valid Occupational Therapist License by the State of Kentucky. Registered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

Terms of Employment: Salary and work year to be established by the board of education.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of board policy for Professional Personnel.