NON-ADMINISTRATIVE JOB SPECIFICATION OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST THE POSITION Under the supervision of the Director Special Education and under the professional direction of a California credentialed District nurse. Collaborates with an educational team to provide individual, in-depth assessment of children to evaluate and administer educationally related occupational therapy services to students with various disabilities in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). May oversee the work of occupational therapy assistants. The employee shall also do other job related work as required. RESPONSIBLE TO: Director Special Education DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS An employee in this class is expected to handle a variety of assignments that relate to individual students’ specialized needs and related disabilities. They are expected to work independently assessing student needs, developing and implementing training for staff members; and providing services to students on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting to pre-kindergarten student through age 22 according to Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and goals. Lead the educational team to assess students to determine the nature and extend of motor disabilities. The occupational therapist has a broad scope of evaluative tasks in the development, planning and assessment of therapy programs. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES The duties listed are typical, but not exclusive: • Collaborates with Tran disciplinary team members to provide individual, in-depth assessment of children to determine the nature and extent of motor handicaps. • Assesses students’ abilities and performance in activities that are related to the curriculum and applicable to activities of daily living. • Writes assessment reports describing the motor development of young children. • Provides on-site interpretation and summaries of assessment results to parents, and facilitates family identification of service plan and goals. • Participates in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting to develop/update annual goals and short-term objectives. • Consults with family and staff on the appropriate implementation of educational programs as they relate to the development of motor skills. • Recommends appropriate materials designed to facilitate development. • Demonstrates educational and developmental strategies to children and families. • Demonstrates appropriate activities for students to program staff. • Suggests appropriate activities to accomplish motor goals set in the IEP. • Provides direct services. • Assures the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures. • Provides training for staff in area of specialty. • Participates in local and state presentations as necessary. • Perform related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE Knowledge of: • The intellectual, sensory and physical development of young children. • Techniques used in the assessment and treatment of disabilities. • Child guidance principles and practices related to children with special education needs. • A variety of current treatment approaches appropriate to meet the student needs, instructional goals and classroom support. • The educational and developmental needs of young children with specific disabilities. • Skill in the application of occupational therapy techniques in the treatment of children with disabilities. Ability to: • Make accurate assessments of the developmental status and educational needs of young children. • Work collaboratively in transdisciplinary teams. • Work collaboratively with families. • Work independently with little supervision. • Oversee and coordinate the work of others. • Make oral presentations to large and small groups. • Communicate effectively orally and in writing. • Observe health and safety regulations. • Administer First Aid and CPR when necessary. • Work effectively with individuals from various ethnic and cultural groups. • Maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. • Drive a vehicle to conduct work. PHYSICAL ABILITY • Must be able to perform the duties of a rigorous work schedule, which includes lifting, moving, and positioning students (up to adult size) in providing occupational therapy services. • Bend, kneel and stoop on a regular basis. • Stand for extended periods of time. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination equivalent to: Training and experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities detailed above. Typical qualifying experience would include: one year of recent, full-time equivalent, paid, supervised experience in occupational therapy, including pediatrics and sensory motor evaluation and training, experience working in a variety of settings including clinic, school, and home, and experience working as a member of a transdisciplinary team. Additional experience working collaboratively with families, and in teaching, is desirable. LICENSE • Verification of certification by the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is required prior to appointment. • A valid California driver’s license is required at the time of appointment. • Willingness to use own vehicle EXAMINATION The examination may begin with a formal evaluation of the application materials. Those applicants whose backgrounds best fit the requirements of the Occupational Therapist classification will be invited to participate in the rest of the competitive examination, which will likely consist of an oral exercise. Examination subject to change. WORK YEAR: 205 Days, 8-hours per day SALARY: Occupational Therapist - Administrative Salary Schedule Board Approved: 4/05/2005