Occupational Therapist

DeSoto ISD Jo b Description OUR VISION OUR MISSION OUR VALUES To inspire curiosity and consciousness, develop character, build courage, and nurture compassion To ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels Every Student We hold an unwavering belief that every student can achieve success and our students' best interests drive our decisions, actions and behaviors. Unconditional Belonging Together, we are responsible for cultivating a community where everyone feels they belong and are respected, cared for and safe. Courageous Learning We seek growth, challenge and innovation and embrace risk-taking as a necessary part of every person's lea rning journey. Relentless Equity Each person has access to the resources and opportunities that meet their individual needs in a way that allows them to leverage their greatest strengths. Collective Excellence We foster integrity, accountability and hold high expectations of ourselves as we support each other and collaborate towards our vision. Community Greatness We are grounded in our connection, pride and partnerships with our communities. Through our collective strength, we support people to do and b e their best. Job Title: Occupational Therapist Reports to: Director of Special Education Wage/Hour Status: Exempt Contract Days: 197Funding Source: Local Revision Date: May 2025 Primary Purpose : Plan and provide therapy to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities. Provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning, increa se independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities. Qualifications: Education/Certification: Master's degree in occupational therapy or related program 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 therapy Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior Excellent organizational, communication, an d interpersonal skills Experience: Six months experience as an occupational therapist Major Responsibilities and Duties: Therapy • Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent withoccupational therapy goals contained in students' Individ ual EducationPlans (IEP). Evaluate student progress and make recommendationsregarding occupational therapy services.• Design, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipmentand devices to promote maximum independence.• Assess students w ith disabilities and determine eligibility for services. Consultation •Present staff development in assigned school as requested. Conduct one -on-oneconsultation with teachers, parents, and others to assist with selection and use of adaptiveequipment and material that will enhance student learning.Student Management •Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level,interests, and needs of the student.•Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct andstudent handbook.Program Management •Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with theinterpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for studentsaccording to dis trict procedures.•Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy programand implement changes based on the findings.Administration •Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records and other documents required.•Comply with poli cies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule,and local board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise the work of the occupational therapy assistant(s). Work ing Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors : Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem solving skills while under stress. Must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Shoul d be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision -making. Frequent in -district and occasional in -state or national travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Safety: Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. DeSoto ISD does not discriminate against any e mployee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age disability, military status, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, ex perience, and abilities. 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 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. Approved by : Date Reviewed by : Date