Folsom Cordova Unified School District Class Specification OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY An Occupational Therapist is responsible to the Director of Special Education or the Coordinator of Special Services and works independently in adhering to the plans associated with student needs. DEFINITION An occupational therapist provides training and consultation to staff and parents and/or direct services to assist students with conditions which are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. These services are designed to allow students to benefit from their basic educational program. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Responds to requests for service and screens individuals to determine need for referral and intervention. Gathers and interprets data to evaluate student needs as a basis for treatment planning. Interprets evaluation findings to parents, and instructional teams while participating in the development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Develops intervention plans including measurable goals and objectives with strategies for meeting them. Coordinates intervention plan with parents and other members of the instructional team. Implements plan directly or through training and supervision of parents, instructional personnel and/or certified occupational therapy assistants. Monitors student response to intervention and modifies strategies as indicated to attain goals. Identify, evaluate and design adaptive equipment to assist students in self-care and academic activities. Provides training, direction and supervision for ancillary staff as assigned. Develops appropriate home or community programming to maintain and enhance the performance of students in their natural environments. Recommends termination of service when benefit has been achieved. Documents evaluation results, treatment and follow-up, submitting these and other required reports in a timely fashion. Collaborates with peers in developing recommendations for protocol and procedures. Assists in developing transition plans for students moving to other environments. Works cooperatively with personnel and/or agencies providing services to the student or family. Participates in professional growth activities in special education and in pediatric occupational therapy. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Child growth and development; common disabling conditions of children; theory and practice of occupational therapy as applied to infants, children and youth; strategies and methodologies used in educational settings; special education law relative to occupational therapy services. Ability to: Administer appropriate assessments; interpret history and assessment data; design and implement appropriate intervention strategies; communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing; work effectively with parents, community and education colleagues; function as a positive, contributing member of an educational team; develop, schedule and manage time effectively; assist in the management of these programs; interpret and implement rules relating to these programs; make policy decisions and evaluate results; make determinations relative to the effective performance of the tasks; sit at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations for extended periods of time; see and read, with or without vision aids: laws, codes, rules, policies and other printed material, including computer screens; hear and understand speech at normal room levels and to hear and understand speech on the telephone; manually use a telephone and enter data into a computer; speak in an audible tone so that others may understand clearly in normal conversations, training sessions and meetings; drive a car; determine and differentiate colors; perform special handling of physically disabled children or youth; obtain the strength and dexterity necessary for physically restraining children and youth; lift and move up to 50 pounds; access reliable transportation to and between assigned school sites during the school day; secure certification of freedom from active tuberculosis. Experience: Two years experience in occupational therapy with a primary focus on pediatric clients. Education: A Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in occupational therapy. License: Possession of a valid certificate of registration issued by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Possession of a valid California driver’s license. Approved: 2/10/00