Occupational Therapist

Position Description: The Occupational Therapist functions as part of a multidisciplinary team and provides occupational therapy assessment, planning, goal development and provides appropriate intervention services to assist special needs students in acquiring functional performance skills. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Evaluate student performance in a variety of areas including fine motor tasks, oral dysfunction, sensory impairments, perceptual motor skills, posture and movement; Formulate and implement an individual treatment plan as it relates to the assessment, educational implications and IEP goals and objectives; Recommend methods and strategies to address student needs for therapy services; Collaborate with medical personnel and multidisciplinary team members in interpreting and implementing therapy service; Collaborate with teachers and support staff regarding activities to support and or reinforce student occupational therapy needs; Communicate and collaborate with other staff and family members as a means of effectively infusing therapy activities in home and school so as to optimize the overall program and progress of the student; Provide direct training and assistance to support staff directly involved with a student; Maintain safe equipment and therapy environment; Re-evaluate students' individual occupational therapy plans on a regular basis; Develop and review student goals and objectives in accordance with each student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP); Maintain appropriate records and documents related to individual assessment and services; Attend IEP meetings as necessary and maintain progress notes of student records; Supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Knowledge of: Sensory integration theory and application in the treatment of autism, PDD and associated regulatory disorders; An understanding of developmental foundations and neurodevelopment implications as related to learning/behaviors and educational success; Clear understanding of the difference of an educational versus medical model in determining appropriate school based therapy services; Understanding of state and federal regulations, guidelines and time lines. Ability to: Use a variety of methods, techniques and practices in occupational therapy; Work independently with little direction; Properly use and care for the materials, supplies and equipment employed in performing services as an occupational therapist; Work autonomously; Organize tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines; Manage multiple tasks; Direct and instruct others; Respond appropriately to evaluation and changes in the work setting; Good written/oral communication skills and collaborative skills in working with parents, staff, and community agencies; Make oral presentations to large and small groups; Participate in the IEP team process; Work effectively with District personnel, community representatives, interdisciplinary teams and students. EDUCATION: Possession of a Baccalaureate or higher degree with emphasis on occupational therapy. EXPERIENCE: One year work experience providing occupational therapy services for children ages three (3) to twenty-two (22). Experience working with children with special needs is desirable. REQUIRED LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES: Valid registration by the American Occupational Therapy Association and/or the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy; Possession of and maintain a valid California driver's license. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out the essential job functions listed above. Physical Demands: Walk, look downward, turn neck (up to continuously); sit, bend (frequently); stand, stoop, squat, reach, push, pull, (occasionally); kneel, crawl, climb, foot controls (infrequently); grasp/manipulate materials & supplies (continuously); lift items to 40 pounds (frequently), carry to 10 pounds (occasionally), lift/carry to 40 pounds (infrequently)/ (occasionally for P.E. teachers); use seeing, hearing & speaking (continuous, in class). Working Conditions: Indoor office or classroom, exposure to: student noise & music, odors of food & possible communicable diseases, constant interruptions. Outdoor school year & grounds, exposure to: high and low temperatures, dust, wind. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. These positions require the contracted employee to drive site-to-site daily supporting student assessments. School sites are located in the Hemet, San Jacinto, Idyllwild, and Anza areas. Average Caseload - 70-80 students.

$59.00 - $59.00 Hourly Wage