SSD Retiree - Occupational Therapist
REPORTS TO: Special Education Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: Student Services

 

POSITION OVERVIEW
Special School District’s (SSD) occupational therapists (SLPs) are committed to
identifying specific barriers in the development process and providing intervention
programs that support and empower students of all learning abilities to excel to their
greatest potential. You will champion our mission by being an expert problem solver,
ensuring all students have an established foundation of strategies that support the
goals of their individualized education plan and fortify their access to general and
special education.

You should consider applying for this position if your values align with SSD's core
values of equity, commitment, and collaboration and you believe every student
deserves the resources and support required to help them learn. SSD staff are
expected to understand and have a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and
accessibility, and for that commitment to be evident in their work.

CLASSIFICATION
Non- Exempt

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluates students for physical limitations, developmental delays, sensory-motor dysfunction, perceptual-motor abilities, self-help skills, functional daily living skill, and adaptive equipment needs
• Develops and administers educational programs based on evaluation results
• Interprets test and diagnostic findings to parents, teachers, students, and other entitled parties
• Provides training for educational staff and supervises programs conducted by educational staff
• Recommends or fabricates adaptive equipment for ADL (activities of daily living) needs, communication, and individualized classroom seating
• Monitors utilization of prosthetics, orthotics, and adaptive appliances
• Provides home programs for parents/guardians when appropriate
• Participates in district and/or special interest meetings as appropriate
• Participates in continuing education and professional conferences and workshops to keep abreast of current treatment methods
• Assists with orientation of new staff members
• Maintains student records; prepares progress reports on student performance; prepares other reports as requested
• Maintains inventory of materials and supplies; submits requisitions as needed

Collaboration

• Participates in staffing, building meetings, parent programs, and conferences; maintains professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents, and the general public
• Supervises occupational (COTA) therapy assistants and clinical students
• Serves on committees making recommendations to department head

Compliance

• Attends IEP and other student conferences when possible and develops individualized goals and objectives for assigned students
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or clinical doctorate degree in occupational therapy required
• Experience in pediatrics/school-based occupational therapy preferred

 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Missouri Occupational License required

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance
instructions, and policy and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and
correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and before groups.

Mathematical Skills
Ability to collect and graph skill programming and behavior data, add, subtract, multiply,
and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals,
and percentages.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to problem-solve and apply common sense understanding to carry out
instructions furnished in written and/or oral diagram form.

 

Physical Requirements
While performing the duties and responsibilities of this job, the employee is regularly
required to communicate, stand, move and walk at a brisk pace, sit, and use hands and
arms to handle, feel and reach. The position requires the ability to accompany students
anywhere on school premises. The employee is occasionally required to stoop or kneel

and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. Additionally, the employee must be
physically able to implement all Board of Education Policies, District procedures, and to
perform Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and techniques. The employee must be
physically able to react and intervene quickly during crisis situations, such as but not
limited to the following circumstances: student elopement, physical altercations
involving students, or any situation that requires physical intervention to maintain
student safety. Yearly NCI training with participation in physical intervention strategies is
a requirement for the job.

DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this job description is not an exhaustive list of the duties
performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently
holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

EEOC STATEMENT
Special School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will
receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran
status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, genetic information, or any other
characteristics protected by law. To request an ADA Accommodation, please contact
our ADA Coordinator at 314-989-8299.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary $36.00/hr

EVALUATION
The employee will be evaluated periodically.

 

Board Approved Date: September 2002
Revised: August 2013, June 2018, April 2021, August 2022