OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

JOB SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapist functions as part of a multidisciplinary team and provides occupational Therapy assessment, planning, goal development and provides appropriate intervention services to assist special needs students in acquiring functional performance skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Evaluate student performance in a variety of areas including fine motor tasks, oral dysfunction, sensory impairments, perceptual motor skills, posture and movement;
• Formulate and implement an individual treatment plan as it relates to the assessment, educational implications and IEP goals and objectives;
• Recommend methods and strategies to address student needs for therapy services;
• Collaborate with medical personnel and multidisciplinary team members in interpreting and implementing therapy service;
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff regarding activities to support and or reinforce student occupational therapy needs;
• Communicate and collaborate with other staff and family members as a means of effectively infusing therapy activities in home and school so as to optimize the overall program and progress of the student;
• Provide direct training and assistance to support staff directly involved with a student;
• Maintain safe equipment and therapy environment;
• Re-evaluate students' individual occupational therapy plans on a regular basis;
• Develop and review student goals and objectives in accordance with each student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP);
• Maintain appropriate records and documents related to individual assessment and services;
• Attend IEP meetings as necessary and maintain progress notes of student records;
• Supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Knowledge of :

• Sensory integration theory and application in the treatment of autism, PDD and associated regulatory disorders;
• An understanding of developmental foundations and neurodevelopment implications as related to learning / behaviors and educational success;
• Clear understanding of the difference of an educational versus medical model in determining appropriate school based therapy services;
• Understanding of state and federal regulations, guidelines and time lines.

Ability to :

• Use a variety of methods, techniques and practices in occupational therapy;
• Work independently with little direction;
• Properly use and care for the materials, supplies and equipment employed in performing services as an occupational therapist;
• Work autonomously;
• Organize tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines;
• Manage multiple tasks;
• Direct and instruct others;
• Respond appropriately to evaluation and changes in the work setting;
• Good written / oral communication skills and collaborative skills in working with parents, staff, and community agencies;
• Make oral presentations to large and small groups;
• Participate in the IEP team process;
• Work effectively with District personnel, community representatives, interdisciplinary teams and students;
• EDUCATION;

Possession of a Baccalaureate or higher degree with emphasis on occupational therapy

EXPERIENCE :

One year work experience providing occupational therapy services for children ages three () to twenty-two ().

Experience working with children with special needs is desirable.

REQUIRED LICENSES AND / OR CERTIFICATES

• Valid registration by the American Occupational Therapy Association and / or the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy;
• Possession of an maintain a valid California driver's license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must

perform in carrying out the essential job functions listed above.

Physical Demands : Walk, look downward, turn neck (up to continuously); sit, bend (frequently); stand, stoop, squat,

reach, push, pull, (occasionally); kneel, crawl, climb, foot controls (infrequently); grasp / manipulate materials &

supplies (continuously); lift items to pounds (frequently), carry to pounds (occasionally), lift / carry to pounds

infrequently) / (occasionally for teachers); use seeing, hearing & speaking (continuous, in class).

Working Conditions : Indoor office or classroom, exposure to : student noise & music, odors of food & possible

communicable diseases, constant interruptions. Outdoor school year & grounds, exposure to : high and low

temperatures, dust, wind.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of

the job.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.