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Occupational Therapist

Palmdale School District

Job Description

Summary

To provide educationally related occupational therapy services to students with various disabilities, according to the students' Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Participates as a member of the IEP team, and performs assessment, recommendation, consultation, and direct services as a Designated Instructional Services provider throughout the district.

Supervision Exercised or Received
General direction is provided by the Director of Health and Safety.
Position provides technical guidance to related paraprofessional staff.

Representative Duties

  1. Performs screening activities and evaluates specified related possible deficits in areas such as visual-motor, fine-motor skills, range of motion, activities of daily living, and sensorimotor integration as related to the students' ability to access their educational program, through district OT referral process.
  2. Attends IEP meetings for students with suspected disability in related areas.
  3. Develops and implements occupational therapy treatment and intervention plans that support the goals and objectives in the IEP, and meet the qualifications for occupational therapy services.
  4. Collaborates with members of teaching and support staff in the development of a variety of strategies to meet the educational needs of students, including interpretation of related goals and objectives, related medical conditions, neuromuscular dysfunction, and orthopedic impairments requiring occupational therapy intervention.
  5. Provides related consultation and training to parents, students, teachers, paraprofessionals, and program administrators.
  6. Assist with occupational therapy program development and revision.
  7. Provides technical assistance in the acquisition, design, repair, modification, or utilization of assistive devices and adaptive equipment used to meet the specific needs of students receiving OT as part of their total educational program.
  8. Maintain required documentation of student abilities and functioning levels, progress toward goals and objectives, and attendance in specified therapy activities.
  9. Attend designated staff and professional meetings, participate and facilitate training and inservice that foster professional growth.
  10. Provides OT related services to students attending Extended School Year, Summer Intersession, or Summer School as needed.
  11. Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

  • Acceptable standards of practice for occupational therapy, in accordance with board policy, state and federal legislation, and American Occupational therapy Association guidelines;
  • Basic knowledge of child development, associated anatomy and physiology, neuromuscular dysfunction, and orthopedic impairment.

Ability to:

  • Communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing;
  • Maintain effective working relationships with parents, students, staff, and community agencies.

Employment Standards

  • Graduation from an Occupational Therapy program accredited jointly by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
  • Valid registration by the American Occupational Therapy Association certifying clinical competence as a Registered Occupational Therapist.
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification through a course approved by the American Red Cross and/or American Heart Association.

License and Certification

  • Valid California license from the California Board of Occupational Therapy as an Occupational Therapist.
  • Valid California driver's license and the ability to provide transportation between various school sites during the course of a work day.

Work Environment 
Job functions are primarily performed indoors, in direct contact with students and other district staff.  Exposure to risk of injury and/or contagious illnesses.  Assignments may require constant attention to protecting physical safety when providing direct therapy interventions.  

Physical Demands 
Job functions require the following physical demands:  lift and carry up to 50 lbs. unassisted and over 50 lbs. with assistance when necessary. Maintain balance; sitting, walking, kneeling, standing, stooping, squatting, climbing, pushing and/or pulling, reaching overhead; vision to see small details; hearing to receive and exchange information; fine manipulation to take notes, write reports, and utilize computer and other tools/equipment.

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