Occupational Therapist - Rio Grande Valley General Pool - IDEA Public Schools

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant 

Special Programs 

Role Mission: 

The Occupational Therapist (OT) sets ambitious goals for IDEA student achievement and invests in students and families in accomplishing them, creates a powerful learning environment, plans and delivers purposeful, educational-based occupational therapy, assesses for the presence of fine motor, visual motor integration, and coordination deficits, as well as dysregulation, sensory issues, and behavioral deficits, tracks student progress toward goals, analyzes data to intervene and adjusts therapy, and seeks excellence as an educator and an IDEA team member.  

The OT reports directly to the regional Lead OT. This role involves some minor travel between assigned campuses. 

Location: 

This is a full-time on-site position located in the Rio Grande Valley. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the region, or who are willing to relocate. 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities 

Essential Duties:  

• Review IEPs and ensure 100% implementation of extensive knowledge and provide top quality occupational therapy services.  
• Create IEPs aligned to the curriculum with the collaboration of parents, general educators, special educators, and interventionists.
• Monitor students’ therapy and academic progress throughout the year in order to update goals and request additional testing when deemed necessary.
• Ensure 100% compliance by completing Occupational Therapy Initials and Re-Evaluations prior to due date as per Texas Education Agency (TEA) timelines.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge in the appropriate selection of assessment tools, conducting assessments, interpreting, and identifying students with the presence of fine motor deficits, dysregulation, sensory issues, and/or behavioral deficits and determine eligibility for services according to IDEA Public Schools Policies and Procedures, TEA guidelines, and Licensing Boards.
• Ensure 100% compliance with ARDs by reviewing Special Education Student Rosters for Annual ARDs and Re-Evaluations due dates on a weekly basis.
• Schedule Annual ARDs and Re-Evaluation ARDs prior to due date with Diagnostician, Licensed Specialist School Psychology, and/or Speech Language Pathologist to ensure 100% compliance.
• Participate in ARDs and update IEPs, Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance, and schedule of service in accordance with students’ progress and academic needs
• Maintain Therapy Notes, Tracking Logs, ARD Logs, and Evaluation Logs on a daily basis and review with the Manager on a weekly/bi-weekly basis.
• Submit Therapy Logs on a Quarterly Basis to their Manager.
• Maintain SHARS (Medicaid) records and submit SHARS documentation on a monthly basis.
• Ensure and monitor students’ progress in order to complete progress reports on a quarterly basis.
• Participate in Annual Performance Review with their Manager and submit required documentation.
• Communicate a shared vision and shared responsibility to establish and promote efficient implementation of RTI at the campus level throughout the various tiers.
• Support the RTI Team in providing recommendations for the implementation of fine motor, dysregulation, sensory, and/or behavioral interventions with high levels of fidelity.
• Participate in the formal assessment, planning, and scheduling of ARDs alongside the Diagnostician, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, and/or Speech Language Pathologist in order to report evaluation results within TEA timeframe to the ARD Committee. 

What You Bring – Competencies 

Knowledge and Skills:  

• Knowledge and ability to assess students for the presence of fine motor deficits, visual motor integration, and coordination, dysregulation, sensory issues, and/or behavioral deficits, and determine eligibility for services using various assessment tools.
• Ability to plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and collaborate with general educators, special educators, and interventionists in order to plan and implement classroom-based activities to improve writing skills and behavioral skills.
• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee regarding interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with the presence of fine motor deficits, dysregulation, sensory issues, and/or behavioral deficits, in accordance with IDEA Public Schools Policies and Procedures, Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines, and Licensing Boards.
• Develop and provide district wide trainings to school personnel and parents in the identification and understanding of students with the presence of fine motor deficits, dysregulation, sensory issues, and behavioral deficits.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required by IDEA Public Schools

Required experience: 

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas License as an Occupational Therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
• National Certification in Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapist Registered
• Valid Driver’s License

Physical Requirements:  

•        Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area. 
•        Must be able to climb ladders or scaffolding, or climb and work in overhead areas 
•        Must be able to work in a confined space or to crawl or move about on hands and knees. 
•        Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move ___ pounds (regularly/occasionally) 
•        Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running and climbing stairs. 
•        Must be able to lift and carry small children up to 40 pounds in case of emergency. 
•        Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold 

What We Offer: 

Compensation & Benefits: 

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $70,000-$82,000 commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment. 

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/. 

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable. 

Application process:  

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. 

Learn more about IDEA  

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values