CUCAMONGA SCHOOL DISTRICT

CLASS TITLE:          OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team providing integrated services to students from kindergarten through 8^th grade.  Provides assessment and direct services related to sensory-motor development and other identified developmental needs; provides consultation related to sensory-motor development; develops goals and objectives for consideration in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and develops individual occupational therapy intervention plans; maintains appropriate documentation and records.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. 

Serve as a member of the educational team serving the needs of children and their families; provide assessment and direct services related to sensory-motor development and other identified developmental needs; provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services related to sensory-motor development based upon needs determined through the IEP process; provide services to elementary and middle school children. E

Evaluate student performance in a variety of areas including fine motor tasks, oral dysfunction, sensory impairments, perceptual motor skills, posture and movement;

Recommend methods and strategies to address student needs for therapy services. E

Instruct teachers, educational staff, and families in positioning and handling techniques. E

Collaborates with medical personnel and multidisciplinary team members in interpreting and implementing therapy services. E

Provide education, training and support to teachers related to student programming needs; recommend, design, create and assist in acquiring adaptive equipment and special equipment; demonstrate use of adaptive equipment. E

Conduct developmental assessments related to sensory-motor abilities and needs using a variety of tools; Attend Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings and participate as a team member to determine program eligibility. E

Assist in developing IEP goals. E

Review student goals and objectives in accordance with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Maintain records and documents related to service delivery. E

Maintain files on students as part of the IEP team; prepare letters and formal requests to agencies for equipment needs, funding sources and coordinate related services.

Plan and prepare for therapy sessions; develop projects, clean and maintain equipment, and set up and break down sensory-motor room equipment.

Addresses the difference between medically necessary and educationally necessary services and makes referrals to California Children’s Services (CCS) as appropriate; may act as a liaison between the school district and other agencies such as CCS, Inland Regional Center and community physicians.

E = ESSENTIAL DUTIES

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

Educational and developmental needs of young children with specific disabilities, applicable treatment modalities and theory for the pediatric populations, assessment tools, treatment approaches and adaptive equipment for children with cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, orthopedic conditions, genetic syndromes and other developmental disabilities.

Child development and developmental disabilities, diagnosis and syndromes and applicable treatment and techniques.

Motor and reflex development.

Adaptive equipment and splinting.

Medical, educational and other community resources and agencies.

Appropriate instructional materials for students.

Record-keeping techniques.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.

Applicable sections of the State Education Code and other applicable laws.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Health and safety regulations.

Proper lifting techniques.

Ability to:

Observe and assess gross motor development, perceptual development, self-help, oral motor development and sensory processing.

Develop and conduct sensory-motor focused interventions.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with students, parents, staff, and other community agencies regarding technical information.

Develop and implement appropriate treatment plans.

Develop and conduct parent interviews.

Lift and move adaptive equipment.

Work cooperatively with others; share individual knowledge, skills and talents.

Maintain records and prepare reports.

Operate a computer to enter data, maintain records and generate reports.

Prioritize and schedule work.

Learn department and program objectives and goals.

Maintain current knowledge of technical advances in the field.

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Travel to various work locations.

Exercise sound judgment; work accurately, independently, and confidentially.

Establish and meet deadlines.

Education and Experience:  

Any combination equivalent to: bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or related field or certification in Pediatric Occupational Therapy which may include sensory integration.

Experience providing occupational therapy services.

Experience working in a California school district, SELPA office, or County Office of Education.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Certification by National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

Cleared California State License from California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT)

Valid First Aid and CPR certification

Valid California Driver's License

Working CONDITIONS:  

ENVIRONMENT: 

Indoor and outdoor work environment.

Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate therapy equipment.

Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to utilize therapy equipment.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time while working with students.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

Pushing or pulling wheelchairs, mobility toys and other equipment.

Carrying moderately heavy students, objects and adaptive equipment up to 50 pounds.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

10.5 Months.  

EVALUATION: 

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Trustees policy and provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.  The Principal and/or designee will give the evaluation. 

SALARY: 

Appropriate placement on the Management Salary Schedule. 

Adopted:  May 14, 2015