Occupational Therapist

THE POSITION: 

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Special Education, the individual is to provide educationally related occupational therapy services to students with various disabilities according to the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Occupational Therapist participates as a member of the multi-disciplinary team, provides assessment, consultation and direct occupational therapy to students within educational, developmental and functional parameters; develops and implements individual and/or group occupational therapy intervention plans.

CURRENT OPENINGS: One 11-month/40 hours per week position. Salary placement will be on Range 48 of the CSEA Salary Schedule. Initial salary placement for new employees is customarily at step 1 ($8,329.24 per month) of this salary range.

APPLICANT FILING INFORMATION: This recruitment is open to the public.An eligibility list will be established to fill vacancies for full time, part time, evening, summer, and substitute positions throughout the duration of the eligibility list. Eligibility lists typically last for twelve months. Vacant positions are filled from the top three ranks. Pursuant to PC Rule 6.2.10, the eligibility list established for this recruitment may be used for anotherrelated classification at the same or lower salary.

NOTE: Answers to supplemental questions, proof of your highest obtained education, copy of a valid certificate of registration with the National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), copy of a license with the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT), and a copy of a valid First Aid certificate and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate issued by a recognized training program (or proof of enrollment to obtain the certifications) must be submitted with the application. Additionally, a copy of your California Class C Driver's License and current car insurance must be submitted by the final test part. You may upload the documents to your online application (in the “Attachments” section) or fax them to Silvia Lagunas at (626) 631-3015.

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 disabilities. 
• Develops, coordinates, and implements individual occupational therapy intervention plans that support the IEP goals and objectives.
• Designs, plans, and executes group occupational therapy plans which support the specialized instructional setting.
• Assists with the development of students’ transition plans, programs, and goals.
• Records assessments, actions taken, and recommendations made regarding areas of service as required by law, Board policies, administrative regulations, and the Special Education Department.
• Trains and serves as a consultant to staff in areas such as sensory motor, sensory stimulation, and body awareness, fine motor skills and other areas within the therapist’s area of expertise.
• Acts as a liaison to District staff, physicians, parents, teachers, students and other agencies in implementing a treatment plan, providing collaborative and consulting services. 
• Monitors, sets up, operates therapy equipment, including hanging, repositioning and adaptation for student use, and instructs multi-disciplinary team in the use and care of equipment. 
• Recommends, designs, creates, and assists in acquiring adaptive equipment and special educational tools as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Occupational Therapy or a closely related field. A Master’s or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy is highly desirable.

Experience: One year of experience providing occupational therapy services to children (0-22 years old) with disabilities, preferably in a school setting.

Special:

• Valid certificate of registration with the National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Licensed by the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT) to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License.
• Evidence of adequate insurance for a motor vehicle, which meets or exceeds the California legal liability insurance requirement and continue to maintain insurability. 
• Possession of a valid First Aid certificate and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate issued by a recognized training program and kept valid during the term of employment.

Ideal candidates will have

Knowledge of:

• Child development principles, including intellectual, sensory, behavioral, social and emotional growth patterns and physical development of children. 
• Educational and developmental needs of students with various disabilities, including the general nature and causes of physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
• Theory of mental and physical rehabilitation underlying the practices of occupational therapy.
• Modern and applicable treatment procedures and modalities for children and young adults.
• Basic First Aid and CPR procedures.

Ability to:

• Develop, plan, and implement an occupational therapy program for students with various disabilities. 
• Effectively communicate occupational therapy treatment techniques and goals to parents, teachers and other program staff, both individually and as a group.
• Demonstrate an understanding, empathy, patience and receptive attitude toward students.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality of sensitive information.

*For a complete job description, including physical demands and work environment pertinent to this job, please see the job bulletin at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/hlpusd.