OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Fowler Elementary School District

Job Title: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Classification : State Certified - Classified

Salary : Salary and contract terms to be established by the Governing Board

Description : The Occupational Therapist identifies, through formal and informal evaluation and observation, students whose ability to function within the classroom and school setting is impeded by physical and/or sensory deficits. The OT is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing appropriate occupational therapy programs and individual therapy plans to provide direct or indirect services to identified students, enabling each child to achieve greater success in their educational experience.

Qualifications :

Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy

Arizona Occupational Therapist Certificate

Experience as an Occupational Therapist working with children in an educational setting is preferred

Valid Arizona Driver’s License

Valid (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card

Certification in CPR & First Aid from an accepted agency

Experience with diverse student populations

Knowledge of occupational therapy evaluation and treatment of children

Knowledge of child development

Knowledge of State and Federal guidelines regarding occupational therapy and students with disabilities

Knowledge of District policies, procedures, organizational structure, and school requirements

Strong knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and oral communication, with extensive skills in spelling, punctuation, and grammar

Knowledge of Spanish, including reading, writing, and oral communication, is preferred

Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with students, parents, staff, and administration

Ability to comprehend and perform functions from written and verbal instructions

The role requires the ability to stoop, crouch, reach, stand, and walk, and to occasionally exert up to 20 pounds of force.

Alternatives to the above qualifications, as the Governing Board or the Superintendent may deem appropriate

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Assist teachers in referring students with suspected deficits and conduct formal/informal assessments to interpret findings for parents and school teams.

Participate in the Child Study Team and Child Find processes to develop and monitor Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) with specific, measurable goals.

Write and submit comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic reports, including intervention plans and service recommendations.

Provide individualized therapy services as prescribed in the IEP to improve students' functional performance in the educational setting.

Attend multidisciplinary conferences and maintain open communication with administrators, school nurses, and district psychologists

Identify, procure, and modify assistive devices or prosthetic equipment to meet student-specific needs

Instruct staff, students, and families in OT strategies, routines, and the use of special equipment for both school and home environments.

Serve as a consultant to school staff on topics such as muscle strength, coordination, motor planning, and sensory processing.

Use collected data to evaluate individual student progress and adjust treatment and services as necessary.

Provide regular information and progress reports to parents and families as required by the district.

Complete mid-year, end-of-year, and other specialized reports requested by the Director of Special Education.

Create and maintain service logs and documentation files required for the Medicaid in the Public School (MIPS) program.

Maintain strict compliance with federal and state statutes, the Arizona Occupational Therapy Practice Act, and district policies.

Participate in district-sponsored professional development, workshops, and meetings to stay current on industry trends and best practices.

Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all situations, including student and family records.

Physical ability to lift, position, and maneuver students and heavy therapeutic equipment.

Perform all other duties as assigned

Length of Employment :

Nine (9) months

Days worked will be determined by the school calendar

Reports to : Director of Exceptional Student Services

Evaluation : Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board Policy GDO