2026-27 School Year
182 days/year
7.5 hours/day
Purpose Statement
The job of Occupational Therapist was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities for assessing students' functional 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 the Principal and/or Program Coordinator.
Essential Functions
Adapts equipment (e.g. seating, tables, desk, etc.) for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increase independence for special education students.
Administers occupational therapy procedures and modalities for the purpose of achieving program objectives.
Assesses and evaluates student's 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.
Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, administration, maintenance personnel, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues, and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
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 enhancing students' participation in the educational context and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Identifies structural issues for the purpose of removing barriers for students with physical limitations and/or identifying appropriate assistive technology.
Instructs students 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 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. professional learning community, training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
Performs site visits at multiple worksites including home visits for the purpose of providing direct therapy interventions and assistance as required.
Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. IEPs, activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, Medicaid billings, reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.
Procures and/or fabricates adaptive assistive technology for the purpose of meeting student needs.
Provides direct occupational therapy service 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.
Schedules student's therapy services for the purpose of making necessary arrangements and ensuring IEP goals are met.
Supervises the work of assigned COTAs for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved.
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 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 algebra and/or geometry; 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 activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using the 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 a variety of 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 requires independent interpretation of guidelines, 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; and operating within a defined budget. The utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and in a generally hazard-free environment.
Experience Job-related experience within a specialized field is required.
Education Masters degree in job-related area.
Equivalency None Specified
Required Testing
None Specified
Continuing Educ. / Training 20 Units of Continuing Education every 2 years for State license
FLSA Status
Hourly for Summer School
Certificates & Licenses
Missouri State Occupational Therapy License
Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability
Clearances
Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background
