Job Title: Occupational/Physical Therapist

Reports to: Assistant Director, Special Services

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: Classified

Tenure Track: No

Social Security Contribution: Required

Salary: Board Approved Schedule, OT58/68/69

Purpose Statement

The Springfield, Missouri Public School District is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Occupational or Physical Therapist, Special Services.

The Springfield School District is Missouri’s second largest public school district and has built a reputation of academic excellence based on the outstanding performance of our students and schools. About 25,000 students attend 36 elementary schools, an intermediate school, 9 middle schools, 5 high schools and a variety of alternative education and choice programs.

The job of Occupational or Physical Therapist was established for the purpose of providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities of completing evaluations, designing occupational or physical therapy treatment plans, scheduling and carrying out treatment sessions and maintaining appropriate documentation. May supervise Certified Occupational or Physical Therapy Assistants, practicum students and provide guidance and training for other Springfield Public School staff responsible for using occupational therapy strategies in programming for students.

Essential Functions

• Administers occupational or physical therapy interventions for the purpose of achieving program objectives in accordance with Special Education policies and procedures and 504 Accommodation plans.
• Assesses students’ fine motor and developmental skills (e.g. visual motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, ) for the purpose of determining students’ functional level and developing recommendations for treatment and appropriate assistive devices.
• Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, administration, community agencies, ) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing information, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
• Develops treatment plans, interventions and/or educational materials for the purpose of remediating students’ motor skill deficits and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Interprets medical reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, ) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring a current trail for compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars assigned (e.g. staff trainings, IEPs, 504 meetings, multi- disciplinary team meetings, Professional Development, ) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, ) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students’ functional goals.
• Supervises interns, practicum students, Certified Occupational or Physical Therapy Assistants and others for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing professional growth and achieving overall objectives of the school’s curriculum. 
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items, as needed. 

Other Functions

Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements (Minimum Qualifications)

Knowledge is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principals of occupational therapy; health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; developmentally appropriate activities; current OT treatment interventions; and pertinent policies, regulations and/or laws.

Skills are required to perform multiple highly complex, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy strategies; adhering to safety practices; facilitating meetings; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Ability is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings and/or events; gather, collate and/or classify data; and use basic job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: developing and maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders; setting high expectations for self and others; setting and monitoring progress toward goals; utilizing and offering effective feedback to continuously improve; collaborating and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders; applying critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes; adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; maintaining effective working relationships; and translating therapy data into meaningful education activities.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Springfield School District and is appropriate for their position.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; and utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Terms of Employment

The terms of employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Missouri public school and Board of Education policy, as those laws and policies may change from time to time.  If your position is represented by Collective Bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between SPS and that Collective Bargaining representative.

Experience

Job related experience within a specialized field, required

Education

Bachelors, Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from accredited program, required

Miscellaneous Requirements

Background clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required

Certificates and Licenses

Driver’s license and evidence of insurability, required Missouri Licensure required

Professional Licensure dependent upon position, required

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking and 33% standing. This job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.