Primary Purpose
Provide assistance and leadership for campus based occupational and physical therapists in evaluating, planning, and providing direct and consultative services consistent with occupational and physical therapy goals contained in student’s IEP. Assist with review and update of special education operational processes; purchase requisition recommendations and budget predictions for district occupational and physical therapy needs based on students’ needs in the district; and assist with recruitment and retention of occupational and physical therapy staff. Oversee services provided by certified occupational therapy assistants, students, and interns facilitating supervision and the following of state and local guidelines. Actively engage in actions that contribute to the overall mission and strategic plan of Clear Creek ISD.
Qualifications
Education/Certification/Licensure
Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university
Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy or related field (preferred)
Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
Special Knowledge/Skills
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge and demonstrated competency in: occupational therapy evaluation and therapy procedures; education of diverse student populations; and human development and learning theories
Ability to instruct students and manage behavior
Strong team-building skills
Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data
Superior organizational skills
Ability to multi-task with minimal supervision
Ability to adjust to change in a positive manner
Experience
Minimum of 3 years’ experience as an occupational therapist
Major Responsibilities and Duties
- Conduct occupational therapy evaluations/reevaluations of students referred through special education and provide a written evaluation report for assigned students, as well as, assist campus based occupational and physical therapists in provision of these services and making appropriate determinations.
- Provide occupational therapy services and assist campus based occupational and physical therapists in making decisions according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, CCISD board policies, and administrative guidelines.
- Provide assistance and leadership for campus based occupational and physical therapists in working with staff and administrators to determine present levels of performance and develop goals and objectives for determined areas of need.
- Provide assistance and leadership for campus based occupational and physical therapists in planning and providing direct and consultative services consistent with occupational or physical therapy goals and therapy plans of care contained in student’s IEP.
- Perform periodic checks of compliance through evaluation logs, attendance logs, and therapy session notes at the campus and district level in conjunction with the supervising special education coordinator and campus administration.
- Facilitate/assist with recruitment, the interview process, mentoring and retention of staff for CCISD employees and contract occupational therapists, COTAs, and physical therapists.
- Attend special education leadership meetings, provide/facilitate staff development on district special education initiatives, and conduct at least quarterly department meetings reviewing policy and disseminating information from leadership meetings.
- Work cooperatively with campus based occupational and physical therapists, assistants and interns to provide leadership and instructional/therapy coaching to improve therapy services.
- Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned; sponsor outside activities approved by principal, department lead and coordinator.
- Provide/facilitate provision of supervision for occupational and physical therapy interns, students, and assistants following the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners and TEA regulations and policies.
- Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
- Maintain a professional and cordial relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
- Adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines regarding confidentiality.
- Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with students, parents, and other staff members.
- Respond to parent phone calls/messages in a timely manner.
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students.
- Develop occupational and physical therapy service provider campus schedules based on student needs, caseload/workload and adjust throughout the year in collaboration with the supervising special education coordinator to maintain an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
- Assist occupational and physical therapy service providers manage student behavior in accordance with the CCISD Student Code of Conduct and handbook.
- Assist with purchase requisition recommendations and provide budget predictions for occupational and physical therapy and assessment materials based on students’ needs in the district.
- Provide for care and protection of school property and be held accountable for books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
- Assists in upholding and implementing administrative regulations and board policy.
- Maintain updated record of all professional development activities.
- Submit all legal documents in a timely manner as required by Federal, State, and District.
- Exhibit CCISD Core Values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
- Actively engage in actions that contribute to the overall mission and strategic plan of Clear Creek ISD.
- Stay up-to-date professionally through the selection of quality professional learning opportunities for personal growth.
- Research district policy, precedent, and current practices prior to taking action.
- Participate as an effective team member who contributes to district, department, and content goals.
- Demonstrates proficient levels of technology applications.
- Participates fully in drills and safety exercises to provide for the safety and overall emotional wellbeing of students.
- Utilize time wisely for effective management of job responsibilities.
- Maintain punctuality in daily work times, appointments, and meetings.
- Meet task completion deadlines established by supervisor.
- Maintain friendly customer-service-driven interactions with all stakeholders, students, teachers, administrators, and co-workers.
- Work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure that the goals of the school/department are met.
- Maintain a positive and professional tone in all communication (i.e. email, written, and verbal).
- Perform other duties and accept other responsibilities as assigned.
Working Conditions
Mental Demands
Effective verbal and written communication; concentration while performing duties; ability to maintain emotional control under stress; ability to work with frequent interruptions
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
Frequent standing, stooping, bending, lifting, moving therapy equipment, desks, and other educational materials; frequent district-wide travel
Term: 192 days or as assigned