Occupational Therapist (District Wide) - position 2

2026-27 School Year: 182 days/year, 7.5 hours/day

Purpose

The Occupational Therapist provides support to the educational process by assessing students' functional development, planning and implementing appropriate treatment, identifying architectural barriers, recommending accessibility solutions, and guiding Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants. This position reports to the Principal and/or Program Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Adapts equipment (e.g., seating, tables, desks) to provide optimal positioning and increase independence for special education students.
• Administers occupational therapy procedures and modalities to achieve program objectives.
• Assesses and evaluates students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g., perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength) to determine program eligibility and develop treatment recommendations.
• Collaborates with parents, teachers, physicians, administration, maintenance personnel, team members, and other professionals to communicate information, resolve issues, and provide services in compliance with guidelines.
• Consults with teachers, parents, and other personnel to provide requested information, develop service plans, and coordinate occupational therapy with other disciplines.
• Develops treatment plans, interventions, and educational materials to enhance student participation and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Identifies structural barriers and recommends solutions for accessibility and appropriate assistive technology.
• Instructs students and staff on medical/behavioral attributes, assistive device use, and remediation plans.
• Interprets medical reports to ensure treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains files and records (e.g., progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans) for compliance and reference.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g., professional learning communities, training, IEPs, team meetings) to gather and convey information.
• Performs site visits, including home visits, to provide direct therapy interventions and assistance.
• Prepares written materials (e.g., IEPs, activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, Medicaid billings, reports) to document activities and convey information.
• Procures and/or fabricates adaptive assistive technology to meet student needs.
• Provides direct occupational therapy services to develop students' daily living skills in compliance with established goals.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g., intervention techniques, assessment tools, community resources) to determine appropriate approaches for addressing students' functional goals.
• Responds to inquiries from parents, teachers, staff, and students to provide information and/or referrals.
• Schedules student therapy services to ensure IEP goals are met.
• Supervises the work of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) to provide guidance and ensure program objectives are achieved.
• Transports supplies and equipment to various sites to ensure availability as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a job-related area.
• Missouri State Occupational Therapy License.
• Valid Driver’s License and evidence of insurability.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• 20 units of continuing education every 2 years for state license renewal.

Skills

• Applying assessment instruments and operating occupational therapy equipment.
• Operating standard office equipment and using pertinent computer software.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Performing algebra and/or geometry; interpreting technical information.
• Writing technical materials and speaking persuasively to implement desired actions.
• Understanding age-appropriate activities, health standards, safety practices, and child development stages.
• Knowledge of abnormal development, medical diagnoses related to special education, current OT treatment interventions, and pertinent codes, policies, and regulations.
• Scheduling activities, meetings, and events; gathering and classifying data.
• Adapting to changing work priorities and communicating with diverse groups.
• Maintaining confidentiality, meeting deadlines, and working as part of a team.
• Working with detailed information/data and translating therapy data into meaningful educational activities.

Working Conditions

• Requires significant physical demands: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity.
• Job is performed under some temperature extremes and in a generally hazard-free environment.
• Typical work involves 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing.