Occupational Therapist
Job Title: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Director of Student Services, the Occupational Therapist
provides educational occupational therapy services to students (birth through age twenty-one) and IEP
team members. The Occupational Therapist is responsible for the proper interpretation and performance
of essential duties and responsibilities.
Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:
Screens and/or evaluates students who have been referred to occupational therapy in the areas of
fine motor performance, coordination, postural stability, perceptual motor performance, sensory
processing and self-regulation and activities of daily living/functional skills (such as written
productions and classroom tool use) with emphasis on present level of performance as related to
academic functioning.
Train special and general education staff, parent and other team members on specific
interventions.
Consults and collaborates with teachers and other specialists regarding appropriate motor
activities, self-help skills, sensory needs, adaptations, and special equipment or assistive devices
as necessary.
Implement educational plans as described on individual IEP and provide information for
building staff as needed.
Provides monitoring, consultation, direct or indirect occupational therapy for selected students
who are eligible for such services.
Maintains close communication with classroom teachers, other staff and parents concerning
student's performance.
Maintains accurate records of students evaluated and served in occupational therapy program;
including assessment results, IEP progress and other documentation or reports as needed.
Maintain appropriate records and reports. Collect data on progress on goals and objectives for
each student and meet all required timelines.
Conduct assessments, comprehensive report results, and follow Illinois state criteria in area(s)
of special education eligibility as well as mandated timelines.
Acts as liaison between school district and community agencies, doctors and hospitals as needed
to provide collaborative occupational therapy services.
Other functions of the job include but are not limited to the following:
Participates in in-services and organizational meetings for Special Services.
Participates in professional development by attending in-services, workshops, conferences and
classes.
Maintains close communication with the Director of Student Services.
Promotes school and community awareness of occupational therapy.
Complies with School Board policies and all state/federal rules and regulations.
Completes all district and state reporting requirements.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Skills and Ability Required:
Experience in developing and implementing a variety of behavior strategies and interventions for
effective programming, including functional behavioral assessments.
Experience implementing strategies for improving social skills.
Thorough knowledge of school rules, regulations and procedures; ability to establish and maintain
standards of behavior.
Ability to deliver and articulate oral presentations and written reports.
Ability to effectively analyze needs and problems objectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, students, parents,
staff, administration and the general public.
Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the total
school program.
Knowledge of relevant technology including the use of technology such as i-pads to individualize
instruction.
Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.
Physical Requirements
Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach
with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 50 pounds (and/or up to adult
size body weight with two-to-three person lift). Position can require some degree of physical interaction
with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior.
Registered Occupational Therapist through Illinois Dept. of Professional and Financial Regulations. Experience in pediatric or school-based therapy is preferred.