Occupational Therapist
Effective:2025-26 School Year
Detailed Job Description is attached

POSITION OBJECTIVE:
The school occupational therapist will provide targeted, evidence-based therapeutic intervention to facilitate student participation and occupational performance within the school environment. The school occupational therapist will work with instructional staff to meet individual needs and to help students function as independently as possible.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduate of an accredited degree in Occupational Therapy. Illinois license for Occupational Therapist. 

If you have questions,
please contact:

Eryn Beswick
Director of Special Education
217-223-8700

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Updated 12/9/19
Quincy Public Schools #172
Job Description
TITLE: Occupational Therapist
REPORTS TO: Special Education Director
LOCATION: Multi-Districts
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduate of an accredited degree in Occupational Therapy. Illinois license for
Occupational Therapist.
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Certified
WORK YEAR: 181 Days
EVALUATOR: Principal as assigned
POSITION OBJECTIVE:
The school occupational therapist will provide targeted, evidence-based therapeutic intervention to facilitate student
participation and occupational performance within the school environment. The school occupational therapist will work
with instructional staff to meet individual needs and to help students function as independently as possible.
PRIMARY FUNCTION:
• Identification, Evaluation
• Complete evaluations, consultations and record reviews and interpret results of assessment in the context
of the educational setting.
• Communicate (written and verbally) evaluation results in accordance with departmental standards.
• IEP Development
• Develop educationally relevant IEP goals and short-term objectives.
• Communicate (written and verbally) therapy goals/short term objectives to the IEP team and assist team in
developing students’ complete IEP.
• Intervention Planning, Service Delivery and Documentation
• Obtain MD prescription, schedule students for treatment, prioritize/schedule workload.
• Develop students’ intervention plans and monitor/assess the effects of the intervention plan as needed to
modify or discontinue intervention plan.
• Provide assistance and supervision of COTAs in developing appropriate and effective IEPs and intervention
plans.
• Report students’ progress and service minutes on appropriate forms and at designated intervals.
• Document billing data (travel, district and Medicaid charges) and submit to the designated person(s).
• Program Administration
• Follow Quincy Public School District # 172 policies and procedures and PT/OT department procedures and
assist with development of policies and procedures as directed.
• Assist in planning for personnel needs by keeping accurate statistics on evaluations completed, direct
service/consultation minutes delivered, COTA’s caseloads. Relay information (written and verbally) to
administration as directed.
• Maintain inventories and equipment, materials and supplies.
• Provide supervision of COTA’s in accordance with the IL OT Practice Act.
• Minimize risk and liability by identifying and addressing potentially unsafe situations/practices and
maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Uses available technology for efficient work production.

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• Professional Growth and Administration
• Adhere to the professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as defined by the Illinois OT Practice Acts
including documenting required supervision and meeting continuing education for licensure.
• Develop and meet Professional Goals in accordance with Quincy Public School District #172 guidelines.
• Participate in COTA student field work rotations/observations. Assist department in reviewing new
evaluations/therapy techniques for possible inclusion within Therapy Department practice, collecting
educational resources and producing handouts.
• Provide formal and informal in-service education for all levels of educational and support personnel
regarding sensory/motor disabilities, OT services (including caseloads) and implications for student referral
and placement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Graduate of an accredited degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Illinois license for Occupational Therapist.
COMPENTENCIES:
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Able to communicate effectively with students, staff, and
parents
• Adaptable to different work scenarios and schedules. Able to prioritize efforts in order to achieve a student-
focused solution
• Able to work in various team-oriented work groups to come to a student-focused solution
• Attends to all other duties as assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Mental Demands: calculating, comparing, evaluation, interpreting, organizing, consulting, analyzing,
planning, documenting, specifying, coordinating, implementing, and presenting
• Physical Demands: bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting for prolonged periods of time,
standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity,
ability to read and write, ability to speak and understand the English language. Must be able to lift an
individual student
• Environmental Conditions: The work is performed primarily indoors; however, outside work is required on
occasion. Travel between buildings is a requirement
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assists with development of IEP goals and objectives and treatment plans. As child progresses,
suggests changes as needed to improve services provided. Keeps OT informed of needs and
problems.
• Selects constructive activities suited to the individual’s physical capacity, intelligence level, and
interest to increase child’s independence, assist in restoration of articular and muscular functions,
improve general physical condition, and aid in adjustment to disability.
• Evaluates student’s progress, attitude, and behavior as related to their rehabilitative potential.
• Communicates observations, facts and comments, to OT, P.E. teachers and teacher’s aides, both
individually and through team meeting presentations. Facilitates selection of the most
appropriate activity program consistent with the needs and capabilities of each student and
coordinates occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.
• Utilizing a team approach, attends meetings as required or directed to facilitate communication
and share skills as appropriate. Provides written input into the multidisciplinary team report as
requested.

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• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs,
professional meetings, in-services, workshops, and review of current literature.
• Ensures recommendations for treatment are implemented in the classroom setting.
• Provides training as directed for appropriate persons regarding the management of the students
regarding their OT program.
• Maintains: personal log, IEP records, OT file, reports, statistics, and other documentation as
required in accordance with Procedure and accordance with the Student Records Act.
• Complete trainings in crisis prevention, interventions and safe restraint techniques on a yearly
basis.
• Carry-out proper restraint techniques in de-escalation and child restraint when the student is in
danger of hurting self or others.
• Trained in CPI and make sure your certification is updated.
• Performs other duties as necessary or as directed by supervisor.
.

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