Occupational Therapist

MADERA COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

CLASS TITLE: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of Director, Special Education Programs and Services, to provide occupational therapy treatment to special needs students enrolled in the educational programs of the Local Education Agencies (LEA). This job class administers occupational therapy assessments to determine a student's level of function relative to the student's age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensorimotor integration, self-care and activities of daily living.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Provide occupational therapy services to special needs students enrolled in the special educational programs of the LEAs.

Administer occupational therapy assessments to determine a student's level of function relative to the student's age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensorimotor integration, self-care, and activities of daily living.

Write assessment reports identifying the student's needs and proposed treatment strategies, write individual student goals and objectives as part of the Individual Education Plan (IEP), maintain progress records, participate in the IEP meetings.

Provide students with individual treatment and group therapy sessions.

Develop occupational therapy treatment plans based on the educational goals for eligible students to improve the student's functional abilities within the educational and naturalistic settings in collaboration with the IEP or IFSP team.

Monitor therapy programs and educational staff trained to incorporate appropriate occupational therapy treatment strategies into the educational program; evaluate the effectiveness of the established program and make modification within the framework of the IEP process as necessary.

Participate in meetings between LEAs and parents/guardians on the appropriate implementation of educational programs; collaborate and coordinate occupational therapy goals with the educational program.

Demonstrate educational and developmental strategies to students, parents/guardians and staff for successful management of perceptual motor, sensory, and self-care programs.

Provide on-site interpretation and summaries of assessment report results to parents/guardians; recommend appropriate activities and materials designed to accomplish goals.

Provide formal and informal inservices to educational staff in relevant areas focusing on occupational therapy treatment as it relates to the development and education of children with special needs.

Consult and collaborate with medical and community agencies who interact with special educational programs operated by LEAs.

Adapt equipment to assure proper positioning and to enhance functional performance of the student (may include design and fabrication of equipment, or recommendations for purchase of adaptive equipment as needed for the individualized special education program).

Coordinate occupational therapy programs within the educational system, including involvement with transition planning when appropriate.

Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the laws and policies governing Special Education in California, particularly as they pertain to the delivery of occupational therapy services. Consult with other members of the educational team regarding the mandated and best-practice roles of occupational therapy.

Administer the occupational therapy program as needed in terms of budget recommendations, space, and equipment recommendations, occupational therapy program development and evaluation, and supervision/direction of any support staff (i.e., Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) assigned to the occupational therapy program.

Provide direction, training, and assistance to support staff assigned to the occupational therapy program.

Refers students and parents/guardians to related services which will assist the student's development.

Conduct inservice or other training programs for county office staff and school district personnel on the role of occupational therapy as an educational service.

OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:
The intellectual, sensory, and physical development of children and young adults.
Application of occupational therapy techniques utilized in the assessment and treatment of children with disabilities.
Educational and developmental needs of children.
Theory of physical rehabilitation underlying the practices of occupational therapy.
Principles, methods, and objectives of occupational therapy treatment, services, and techniques.
Skeletal anatomy, neuromuscular function and dysfunction; kinesiology and occupational therapy modalities.
Principles of consultation, training, and supervision.

ABILITY TO:
Accurately assess the developmental status and educational needs of children and young adults.
Identify and analyze areas of developmental sensory-motor dysfunction.
Develop and implement treatment plans, goals, and objectives.
Collaborate with LEA staff, families, and other occupational therapists.
Provide consultation for classroom management of motor, sensory, perceptual, and self-care programs.
Explain and provide training on occupational therapy and rehabilitative principles.
Provide direction to staff.
Work cooperatively with staff, districts, agencies, and general public in achieving common goals.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships at all levels and contribute to a positive work environment.
Communicate effectively with staff, district personnel, members of the public, and representatives of other agencies.
Evaluate and analyze complex problems, issues, and concerns and render judgment, make timely and effective decisions, and solve problems efficiently.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Prepare clear and concise written correspondence and policies.
Present a positive image of the County Office of Education.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Operate a computer and assigned office equipment.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Work independently with little direction.
Plan and organize work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor's Degree in occupational therapy and at least one (1) year of clinical experience in pediatric therapy with emphasis on developmental disabilities and working in the educational setting.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid license from the State of California and certificate of registration issued by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license.
Possession of a CPR Certificate preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:
Classroom environment.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Stamina to perform multiple assignments and tasks with many interruptions and deadlines while under a variety of circumstances including critical, intense, or urgent situations.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
Seeing to read a variety of materials.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to assist students.

Requirements / Qualifications

Under the direction of Director, Special Education Programs and Services, to provide occupational therapy treatment to special needs students enrolled in the educational programs of the Local Education Agencies (LEA). This job class administers occupational therapy assessments to determine a student's level of function relative to the student's age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensorimotor integration, self-care and activities of daily living.

Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor's Degree in occupational therapy and at least one (1) year of clinical experience in pediatric therapy with emphasis on developmental disabilities and working in the educational setting. Possession of a valid license from the State of California and certificate of registration issued by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license. Possession of a CPR Certificate preferred. The successful candidate must be cleared by the Department of Justice prior to employment as required by law.

Comments and Other Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
The following items MUST be submitted:
1) Completed Application form
2) Resume
3) Letter of Introduction
4) Copy of Valid License from the State of California and Certificate of Registration issued by the American Occupational Therapy Association
5) Three Signed Letters of Reference
Submit above items to:
Lisa Tatro, Human Resources
Madera County Superintendent of Schools
1105 S. Madera Ave., Madera CA 93637

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee for minimum qualifications.
Interview dates will be individually arranged for selected applicants.