DEFINITION Under the supervision of the Director of Special Youth Services, provides students with occupational therapy assessments and services; provides assessment, consultation to District staff and parents in identifying students for occupational therapy intervention and provides services according to Individualized Education Plans (IEP); assists in program development to incorporate occupational therapy strategies into classrooms; provides in-service training to District staff; and performs other related duties as required. ESSENTIAL DUTIES The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification. Conducts assessments of students to determine eligibility for occupational therapy; evaluates and provides occupational therapy services to students with special education eligibilities; reviews reports from health care providers requesting occupational therapy and coordinates occupational therapy services with students’ health care providers; develops and re-evaluates students’ individual occupational therapy plans on a regular basis; provides occupational therapy services according to Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals and intervention plans developed for individual students; attends IEP meetings as necessary and maintains progress notes on student records; maintains a safe and orderly treatment area; assesses students physical abilities in an educational environment by gathering data in such areas as oral motor skills, sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, self care, fine motor function, work behavior, endurance and postural tone; monitor student progress; assists with the development of therapy services such as adapting school and classroom environment and learning materials to improve student functioning and facilitate access to curricular and instructional activities; monitors the use of adaptive equipment; identifies and documents student abilities and educational, developmental, and functional needs with the IEP team; assists with the development of student transition plans, programs, and goals; recommends, designs, creates, and assists in the procurement of adaptive equipment; prepares detailed records and reports concerning student progress and daily activities collaborates with parents regarding plans for occupational therapy services, including planning for therapy in the least restrictive environment; provides assistance to program staff as part of case management through consultation, training, and individual and group activities; clarifies occupational therapy goals, objectives, and services; informs students and families about Medi-Cal services, how to access and use the systems, and links potentially eligible families and students to the Medi-Cal system for eligibility and to arrange services; performs administrative tasks and activities related to the CEA medical and the MAA claiming process. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Experience and Education: Any combination equivalent to: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Occupational Therapy; Valid license as an Occupational Therapist with the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT); One year of experience providing occupational therapy services with specialized knowledge in the difference between educational models of occupational therapy vs. medical models, preferably with specialized expertise in appropriate Occupational Therapy services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder; and any other related training and/or experience which demonstrates the applicant is likely to possess the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered. License and Certificate Requirements: Valid license as an Occupational Therapist with the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT); Current and valid certificate of registration in occupational therapy issued by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy. License and Automobile Requirement: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. Insurance Requirement: Evidence of adequate insurance for a motor vehicle which meets or exceeds the California legal liability insurance requirement and continue to maintain insurability. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of: Intellectual, sensory, behavioral and physical development of children and young adults; Accepted treatment procedures designed to maintain or improve a student’s motor functions and to achieve greater independence in performing life skills; Fundamental principles and accepted trends in the field of school occupational therapy; Current methods, techniques, and practices in occupational therapy; Techniques used in the assessment and treatment of students with disabilities; Educational and developmental needs of young children with specific disabilities; Theory of mental and physical rehabilitation underlying the practices of occupational therapy; Treatment modalities and theory for the pediatric population; Principles, methods, techniques and equipment used in occupational therapy; General nature and causes of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities; Record keeping and report preparation techniques; Technical aspects of field of specialty; Special education laws and procedures, including development of IEPs Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; Interpersonal skills using tack, patience and courtesy; Health and safety regulations; First aid techniques. Ability to: Make accurate assessments of the developmental status and educational needs of students; Effectively communicate occupational therapy treatment techniques and goals to parents, teachers and other program staff; Assess individual needs, establish realistic and appropriate goals and objectives, and design and implement a program for each student; Communicate effectively orally and in writing sufficient to express ideas, thoughts and instructions clearly to students, special educators, community members, parents and administrators; Work independently; Establish general schedules; Apply a variety of current methods, techniques and practices in occupational therapy including assistive technology; Work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and with parents; Properly use materials, supplies, and equipment employed in performing services as an occupational therapist; Understand physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth patterns of students; Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward students; Maintain records and prepare reports related to assigned students and activities; Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information; Interpret, apply and explain laws, rules and regulations related to assigned program activities; Demonstrate confidence, tact, and the use of good judgment; Plan and organize work; Meet schedules and timelines; Travel to sites/locations throughout the District. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Employees in this classification speak clearly, lift and carry up to 50 lbs. unassisted and over 50 lbs. with assistance, hear normal voice conversation, maintain balance, have rapid mental/muscular coordination, walk, kneel or stand for extended periods of time, have depth perception, stoop/bend, sit, carry, repeated bending, see small details, push, reach over head, pull, use a computer. WORK ENVIRONMENT Employees in this classification work primarily indoors, in direct contact with students, the public and other district staff, exposed to minor contagious illnesses (colds, flu, etc.), exposed to severe contagious illnesses/disease (tuberculosis, measles, mumps, chicken pox, hepatitis, etc.), without guidance from supervisor; some assignments may require constant attention to protecting physical safety in a classroom where pupils, because of the nature and severity of their disabilities are accident prone, or because of assaultive or self-abusive tendencies could cause serious injury to themselves or others.