OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - DISTRICT WIDE 2026-2027

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST DISTRICT WIDE

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Primary Purpose:

To provide occupational therapy treatment to special education students according to their Individualized Education Program. This job provides services to individuals and groups to correct specific areas of sensory-motor integrative dysfunction. This job administers occupational therapy assessments to determine a student’s level of functioning relative to their age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensory-motor integration, self-care, and the activities of daily living.

Qualifications:

Registered with the American Occupational Therapy Association and/or certified with the National Board of Occupational Therapy.

Possession of a valid Texas driver’s license.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Intellectual, sensory, and physical development of children and young adults;

• Application of occupational therapy techniques utilized in the assessment and treatment of children with disabilities;

• Educational and developmental needs of children and young adults;

• Theory of physical and mental rehabilitation underlying the practices of occupational therapy;

• Principles, methods, and objectives of occupational therapy treatment, services, techniques of skeletal anatomy, neuromuscular function and dysfunction; kinesiology and occupational therapy modalities;

• Principles of consultation, training, and supervision;

• Accurately assess the developmental status and educational needs of children and young adults;

• Identify and analyze areas of developmental sensory-motor dysfunction;

• Develop and implement treatment plans, goals, and objectives to correct sensory-motor dysfunction;

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Assessment:

• Provides occupational therapy services, as identified through the IEP plan, to students enrolled in the educational programs of Newman International Academy.

• Administers occupational therapy assessments to determine a student’s level of functioning relative to their age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensory motor integration, self-care, and the activities of daily living.

• Writes assessment reports identifying the student’s needs and proposed treatment strategies; writes individual student goals and objectives as part of the IEP; maintains progress records; participates in the IEP meeting.

• Develops occupational treatment plans and goals for rehabilitative care to improve student functional abilities and enhance their ability to learn.

• Provides students with individual treatment and group therapy sessions to correct specific areas of sensory-motor integrative dysfunction.

• Develops occupational therapy treatment plans based on the educational goals for eligible students to improve the student’s functional abilities within the school and naturalistic settings, in collaboration with the IEP team.

• Monitors therapy programs and consults with educational staff regarding inclusion of appropriate occupational therapy treatment strategies into the educational program; evaluates the efficacy of the established program and makes modifications within the framework of the IEP process as necessary.

• Participates in meetings between Newman Academy staff and families on the appropriate implementation of programs; collaborates and coordinates occupational therapy goals with the educational program.

• Demonstrates educational and developmental strategies to students and families for successful home intervention of perceptual, motor, and sensory programs.

• Provides interpretation and summaries of assessment reports to families; recommends appropriate activities and materials designed to support motor goals in the home.

• Consults and collaborates with medical and community agencies that interact with Newman Academy staff regarding occupational therapy services for students.

• Adapts equipment to ensure proper positioning and to enhance functional performance of the student, addressing the student’s neuromuscular deficits and needs. May include design and fabrication of equipment or recommendations for purchase of adaptive equipment as needed.

• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the laws and policies governing Special Education in Texas, particularly as they pertain to the delivery of occupational therapy services.

• Consults with other members of the educational team regarding the mandated and best practice roles of occupational therapists.

• Administers occupational therapy programs as needed in terms of budget recommendations, space, and equipment recommendations.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Consultation:

• Collaborate with Newman International Academy staff, families, and other support staff;

• Provide consultation to classroom teachers; explain and provide training on occupational therapy and rehabilitative principles;

• Effective oral and written communication skills;

• Maintain records and prepare comprehensive reports, including State and Federal mandated reports;

• Work as a member of the IEP team, using current best practice clinical skills for working with children and young adults with moderate physical disabilities and learning challenges;

Communication:

• Be a role model; uphold school vision of nurture, character, discipline, and academic excellence. Maintain professional communication.

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.

• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular district wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting and carrying. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.

NOTE: The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills that may be required.