Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Santa Maria-Bonita School District Occupational Therapist Job Description

Basic Function:

Under the supervision of the Program Specialist for Special Education, the Occupational Therapist serves as a member of the multi-disciplinary team in providing assessment; consultation services/direct treatment services for pupils with disabling conditions. The Occupational Therapist provides assessment, planning, goal development, sensory integration, and appropriate intervention services to assist students in acquiring functional performance skills and to help students function independently. Will provide supervision for the development, assessment, and implementation of sensory and motor-specific programs. Coordinates services and evaluations with other staff. Recommends and commits district funds to ensure that program requirements are met in respect to occupational therapy needs. Performs other job-related duties as required by supervisor. This is an itinerant position.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.

• Provide occupational therapy to students
• Respond to questions and inquiries both basic and technical related to assigned areas.
• Maintain a safe and orderly treatment area.
• Conduct assessments for students to determine the need for occupational therapy.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team assessments and reporting.
• Attend Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings as necessary to review assessment data, consult on occupational therapy plans, and develop goals and objectives.
• Review reports from health care providers requesting occupational therapy and coordinate occupational therapy services with students' health care providers.
• Act as a resource to school personnel in interpreting occupational therapy services.
• Plan and develop therapeutic intervention goals that are educationally relevant and will be used in students' educational programs.
• Establish a system of documentation that is professional, efficient, and accountable; and that conforms to state and individual agency policies.
• Communicate results of evaluations and reports of occupational therapy services to the educational staff, parents, students, and other professionals and/or agencies concerned with the students.
• Re-evaluate students' individual occupational therapy plans on a regular basis.
• Develops goals and objectives as part of the child's IEP and provides direct therapy and/or consultation in order to meet these goals.
• Orders specialized equipment for student use as appropriate.
• Makes adaptations for equipment and instructional/communication materials, as appropriate.
• Serves as liaison with the medical community and other service providers.
• Develop appropriate home and community programming
• Documents evaluation results, treatment and follow-up, submitting these and other required reports in a timely fashion.
• Collaborate with peers in developing recommendations for protocol and procedures.
• Assist in developing transition plans for students moving to other environments.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy desirable. Experience providing general occupational therapy services. Experience in the administration and interpretation of occupational therapy assessment procedures, development of appropriate student goals and objectives. Experience working in a California school district, SELPA Office or County Office of Education. Experience or certification in Sensory Integration methods.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Valid California Board of Occupational Therapy License. Valid registration with the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy. Certification from the California Board of Occupational Therapy. Multilingual/Bilingual Preferred. CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).

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. Strategies and tools used in the implementation of occupational therapy plans. Child growth and development. First Aid and CPR. California laws, codes and regulations relative to occupational therapy services Technology and computer software applications relative to instruction, administration, and education. Effective student management techniques.

Ability to: Administer and interpret occupational therapy assessment procedures, develop appropriate student goals and objectives. Establish and meet deadlines, exercise sound judgment, work accurately, independently and confidentially. Use tact, patience and courtesy in interpersonal relationships, exercise good judgment and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Effectively communicate occupational therapy treatment techniques and goals to teachers, parents and other program staff. Read, write and proofread written documents. Prepare and disseminate written reports (including assessment), Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information. Maintain professional behavior and appearance with all student related contacts. Understand and work within scope of authority and defined guidelines. Observe health and safety regulations. Administer First Aid and CPR. Supervise students and adapt to individual needs of students. Implement occupational therapy plans; utilizing various assessment instruments. Understand and follow verbal and written instructions and directions, and give directions clearly. Plan, organize, coordinate, prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Use a wide variety of office and instructional equipment including but not limited to: computer and assigned software, copiers, faxes, calculators and telephones. Understand and maintain confidentiality and make decisions within the framework of established guidelines. Work independently or in a team environment with little supervision. Drive to conduct work at a variety of locations.

Working Conditions:

Environment: Indoor and outdoor school work environment and office setting. Drive a vehicle to conduct work Physical Abilities: With reasonable accommodations, if necessary, hearing and speaking to exchange information and to make presentations; seeing, reading and preparing documents and presentations; sitting and standing for extended periods of time; dexterity to operate a computer and other office equipment; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, bending at the waist or kneeling to retrieve supplies or other materials. Strength to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or carry up to 40 pounds. Seeing to monitor activities. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel or sit on floor for extended periods while assisting students in therapy. Ability to stand for extended periods. Hand and eye coordination skills. Hand dexterity for use of manipulative equipment, etc.

Physical Demands:

Strength to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or carry up to 40 pounds. Seeing to monitor activities. Good speaking and hearing abilities. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel or sit on floor for extended periods while assisting students in therapy. Ability to stand for extended periods. Hand and eye coordination skills. Hand dexterity for use of manipulative equipment, etc. Santa Maria Bonita School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and reasonable accommodations are made under the Disability Act as required by law.