OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Join our dedicated team at Bellflower Unified School District as an Occupational Therapist. In this 9-month, 8-hour per day position, you will empower students with disabilities to thrive in their educational journey.

Make a meaningful impact by assessing needs, crafting personalized intervention plans, and collaborating with educators and families in a supportive, dynamic environment; perfect for passionate professionals ready to shape young lives and advance their careers in school-based therapy.

Under general supervision, provides educationally related occupational therapy services to students with various disabilities according to their Individualized Education Program (IEP); assesses student abilities and educational, developmental and functional needs; develops and implements individual and/or group occupational therapy intervention plans to support student success in the educational environment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is characterized by responsibility for providing professional occupational therapy services within an educational setting, focusing on helping students with disabilities access and participate in their educational program. It is distinguished from the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in that the Occupational Therapist has full responsibility for assessment, treatment planning, and supervision of therapy services. It is further distinguished from other health services positions by its specific focus on fine motor, sensory-motor, and functional skills that directly impact educational performance.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Assistant Superintendent of School Support Services or designee. Exercises technical and functional supervision over Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and may provide work direction to paraprofessionals implementing therapy strategies.

• Conducts comprehensive assessments of students' fine motor, perceptual-motor, visual motor, motor coordination, sensory processing, and muscle strength using standardized and non-standardized assessment tools to determine eligibility and develop recommendations for occupational therapy services

• Develops, implements, and monitors individualized occupational therapy intervention plans that support IEP goals and objectives, focusing on skills necessary for educational participation

• Provides direct occupational therapy services to students individually and in groups, utilizing evidence-based interventions and therapeutic techniques

• Collaborates with IEP teams to establish measurable goals and objectives that address students' educational and functional needs

• Trains and consults with teachers, educational staff, and parents regarding therapeutic activities, adaptive strategies, and environmental modifications that can be incorporated throughout the student's school day

• Recommends, designs, and implements adaptations to classroom environments, materials, and curricula to facilitate student participation and success

• Evaluates and recommends assistive technology devices and adaptive equipment to support student access to educational activities

• Maintains comprehensive documentation including assessment reports, progress notes, treatment plans, and service logs in compliance with federal, state, and district requirements

• Attends and participates in IEP meetings, providing professional input regarding students' occupational therapy needs and progress

• Supervises, trains, and evaluates the performance of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and support staff

• Collaborates with other health professionals and service providers to coordinate comprehensive care for students

• Assists in the development of student transition plans focusing on functional life skills and post-secondary readiness

• Maintains current knowledge of best practices, research, and legal requirements in school-based occupational therapy

• Establishes and maintains a safe, organized therapy environment with appropriate equipment and materials

• Performs related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Child development principles including physical, cognitive, sensory, social, and emotional growth patterns

• Educational and developmental needs of students with disabilities

• Principles, methods, and techniques of occupational therapy as applied in educational settings

• Assessment tools and procedures for evaluating student abilities and needs

• Evidence-based interventions for addressing fine motor, sensory, and functional challenges

• Adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications

• Federal and state special education laws and regulations, including IDEA and Section 504

• IEP development and implementation processes

• Effective consultation and collaboration strategies

• Documentation and record-keeping requirements

• For supervisory positions include the following bullet last

• Fundamental concepts of employment laws, codes, and regulations, including EEO, FLSA, FMLA, Cal/OSHA and applicable provisions of collective bargaining agreements

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments

• Develop and implement effective intervention plans aligned with educational goals

• Apply various therapeutic approaches and frames of reference to address student needs

• Analyze assessment data and translate findings into educationally relevant recommendations

• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff effectively

• Communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences including students, parents, and educational teams

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, families, and school personnel

• Work independently while managing multiple responsibilities and priorities

• Maintain accurate records and prepare comprehensive reports

• Adapt therapeutic approaches to meet individual student needs and learning styles

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in service delivery

• Use technology effectively for assessment, intervention, and documentation

• Model communications and interactions that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - The following are the minimum qualifications and requirements:

Experience:

Two years of supervised experience in occupational therapy, with at least one year working with children and adolescents with disabilities in educational or pediatric settings. Experience in sensory integration techniques and school-based practice is highly desirable.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program, with a Master's degree or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy preferred, from an institution of higher learning recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.

Current and valid license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy

Current registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

Equivalency Provision:

A Master's or higher degree in Occupational Therapy may substitute for one year of the required experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS – This summary provides examples of the work conditions and typical physical demands of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in various school settings including classrooms, therapy rooms, gymnasiums, playgrounds, and students' homes

• Exposure to students with various disabilities and behavioral challenges

• Travel between multiple school sites is required

• May involve exposure to bodily fluids and communicable diseases

• Work schedule follows the school calendar with occasional evening meetings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent lifting, positioning, and transferring of students weighing up to 75 pounds with or without assistance.

• Extended periods of standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, and sitting on the floor.

• Manual dexterity to operate specialized therapeutic equipment and demonstrate fine motor activities.

• Visual acuity to assess student performance and monitor safety.

• Hearing and speech abilities sufficient to communicate with students and staff.

• Physical stamina to provide hands-on therapy services throughout the school day.