Occupational Therapist (SPED)

Position Purpose: 

The occupational therapist evaluates students to determine their functional levels and to identify their special needs. The therapist plans and implements therapeutic activities to assist special education students in benefiting from their educational experience. The occupational therapist is responsible for planning and implementing the goals of the Individual Education Plan (IEP). 

Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (minimum) from a school accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association. 
2. Must have, or be eligible for current Occupational Therapy license from the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts. 
3. School-based Occupational Therapy experience and experience with assistive technology helpful.

Physical/Emotional Requirements: 

(The incumbent may be required to use the below requirements during any part of the working day.) While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

Performance Responsibilities: 

1. Implements the Individual Education Plan
2.  Provides training to the appropriate persons who will carry out therapy goals in the school setting 
3. Manages equipment and maintains a positive environment 
4. Provides program services that include: self help, functional mobility, environmental adaptations/adaptive equipment, positioning, motor functions, sensory processing, and provocation/vocational skills 
5. Functions as a team member of the Student Improvement Team. 
6. Maintains contact with school, family, physicians, and agencies 
7. Formulates occupational therapy procedures
8.  Conducts screening evaluations and reassessment to develop Individual Education Plans 
9. Schedules students for evaluation and treatment
10.  Assigns and supervises caseload and responsibilities of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 
11. Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned duty day 
12. Oversees assigned budgets 
13. Supports the Districts educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner 
14. Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as the superintendent or designee may assign
15. Must complete all Special Education paperwork including IEPs and Medicaid billing.

For additional information, visit the Topeka Public Schools website. www.topekapublicschools.net