Occupational Therapist (2231)

DEFINITION

Provides educationally related occupational therapy services to students, aged 3 to 22 years, with various disabilities according to the students' Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Occupational Therapist participates as a member of the educational team; provides assessment, consultation, and direct occupational therapy to students within educational, developmental, and functional parameters; and develops and implements individual occupational therapy intervention plans.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General direction is provided by the Director, Special Education.

Supervision may be exercised over assigned support staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assesses students' abilities and performance in activities that are related to the curriculum and applicable to activities of daily living.

Identifies and documents student abilities and educational, developmental, and functional needs. Provides reports to the IEP team.

Attends IEP meetings as needed to assist in the development of student IEP's.

Develops, coordinates, implements, and monitors individual occupational therapy intervention plans that support the IEP goals and objectives; reevaluates plans on a regular basis.

Assists with the development of student transition plans, program, and goals.

Maintains progress notes and records regarding areas of service as required by law, Board policy, Administrative regulations, and the District.

Reviews reports from health care providers and coordinates occupational therapy services with students' health care providers.

Collaborates with District health personnel in the coordination of medical care protocols.

Provides assistance to program staff as part of case management through consultation, training, and individual and group activities.

Provides technical assistance to the teaching staff.

Clarifies occupational therapy goals, objectives, and services and provides consultation to and responds to inquiries from parents, students, teachers, program staff, administrators, and others.

Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.

Maintains a safe and orderly treatment area.

Performs other duties as required.

CLASS QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Child development principles, including intellectual, sensory, social, and emotional growth patterns and physical development of children.

Educational and developmental needs of children with disabilities.

Fundamental principles, techniques, and accepted trends in the field of occupational therapy.

School district administrative policies, organization, and operations.

State and Federal laws and regulations governing special education.

Educational and medical applications of adaptive equipment.

Generally accepted standards of health and sanitation.

Recordkeeping procedures.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Ability to:

Plan, organize, and conduct an occupational therapy program for students with various disabilities.

Use a variety of modern methods, techniques, and practices in occupational therapy.

Develop, coordinate, and implement effective intervention and transition plans, programs, and goals.

Effectively assess students' abilities, needs, and performance and develop appropriate plan of action in accordance with the IEP.

Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.

Work independently and perform numerous assignments simultaneously, and maintain schedules.

Communicate effectively to a variety of individuals or groups with culturally diverse backgrounds, both orally and in writing.

Prepare and maintain case records, files, and reports.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents, staff, students, and community agencies.

Be insured and maintain vehicle liability and property damage insurance.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited occupational therapy educational program that includes successful completion of an internship within a school-based setting.

License or Certificate:

Valid certification as an Occupational Therapist by the American Occupational Therapy Association or the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy before completion of the probationary period.

First Aid and CPR certification.

Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license.

Desirable Experience:

One year of recent, successful experience in planning and providing occupational therapy services, preferably with children and adolescents.

Written and oral proficiency in a second language.

Requirements / Qualifications

Requirements / Qualifications