Under general direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services and/or designee, performs occupational therapy treatment on students with motor and sensory disabilities who are referred for assessment; recommends treatment and goals, monitors student progress and reports student achievement according to student’s individual service plan; performs other related tasks as assigned.

The typical duties and employment standards are representative of positions within this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the specific position

Provides occupational therapy treatment to eligible students.

Assesses students' skills and abilities in oral motor, sensory integration, motor planning, fine motor, developmental function, activities of daily living, range of motion, reflex integration and postural tone.

Participates, as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, in the development of occupational therapy intervention plans; develops and reviews students' annual goals and objectives.

Monitors pupil progress and informs parents and teacher of student progress; acts as a liaison to district staff, physicians, parents, and other agencies in implementing student treatment.

Prepares and writes reports on student assessments, progress, and objectives.

Consults with family and staff on the appropriate implementation of educational programs as they relate to motor and sensory skill development.

Designs and develops adaptive equipment for students and adjusts the equipment for proper fit.

Provides in-service training for teachers, instructional assistants, and parents in the area of specialty.

Provides guidance and/or training to Occupational Therapy Assistants.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

An Occupational Therapist is a professional level classification requiring a State and/or Nationally recognized license to independently practice a variety of specialized therapeutic treatments on students with motor and sensory disabilities. An Occupational Therapy Assistant is a paraprofessional classification working under the direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist to support him or her in applying occupational therapy techniques for students in the District.

Knowledge of: Child development, neuromuscular function/dysfunction, sensory motor integration, kinesiology, skeletal anatomy and basic pathology related to orthopedic disabilities; individual and group occupational therapy techniques commonly used for students with special needs; educational and medical application of adaptive equipment; generally accepted standards of health and sanitation; and record keeping practices and procedures.

Ability to: Develop, plan, and implement an occupational therapy program for students with various disabilities; assess individual student needs and develop an appropriate intervention that includes goals/objectives; explain and provide training on occupational therapy and rehabilitative procedures; consult with staff and family on the management of motor, sensory, perceptual, and self-care programs; establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents, students, staff, and community agencies; plan and organize work; write accurate and understandable reports; maintain accurate records and files; maintain confidentiality and discretion.

Essential Physical Activities and Work Environment: Sufficient stamina to stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, reach, twist, crouch, and squat for extended periods while assisting students in therapy; strength to occasionally lift and/or carry with or without assistance up to 50 pounds (e.g., students and pieces of equipment); sufficient finger dexterity to grasp, push, and manipulate student limbs and occupational equipment. Sufficient visual acuity to identify safety hazards and monitor student activities. The job generally requires 55% sitting, 15% walking, and 30% standing.

Mental Functions: Must be able to understand and apply occupational therapy tools, concepts, and techniques; sufficient ability to write accurate and clear reports and explain technical concepts to laypeople; sufficient ability to read reports and/or guidelines and ability to operate a computer.

Typical Background: Graduation from an occupational therapy curriculum from an accredited university and possession of a valid occupational therapy license as described below. Experience in a school district or working with children is highly desirable.

Licenses and/or Certificates: Possession of a valid license by the California Board of Occupational Therapy and valid certification with the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy is required. Possession of a valid First Aid/CPR certificate. Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license. Must meet District vehicle and liability insurance requirements, as appropriate.

Qualifications: In order to be considered qualified for a vacancy in this classification, a candidate must possess the required background and successfully demonstrate such background, knowledge, skills and abilities through an examination process.

Created April 2007 – SW/JW. Approved by the Personnel Commission on 4/19/07
Revised 07/24/2009-AT
Revised 03/7/2017- CS. Approved by Personnel Commission on 5/24/17