BASIC FUNCTION
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.

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.

Click HEREto view the complete job description.

• 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.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid California license from the California Board of Occupational Therapy as an Occupational Therapist.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification through a course approved by the American Red Cross and/or American Heart Association. 
• Valid California driver's license and the ability to provide transportation between various school sites during the course of a work day.

Application FilingApplications for this position will be accepted online only during the specified recruitment period. Applicants will receive notifications electronically by email.  

Applicants must complete all required fields of the application and attach the following documents, preferably in .pdf format. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.   Valid California license from the California Board of Occupational Therapy as an Occupational Therapist. Valid California driver's license and proof of automobile insurance. Current CPR and First Aid certification. Copy of Official College Transcript showing evidence of occupational therapy coursework and degree awarded.

ExaminationFollowing the evaluation of training and experience, and responses to supplemental questions, the most qualified applicants selected to move forward will be invited to participate in the structured oral examination. Make-up exams will not be offered. After the exam procedure concludes for this recruitment, an eligibility list will be established to fill future vacancies. When eligibility lists include open and promotional lists of qualified persons through competitive examination, the promotional list will be used first, unless otherwise stated on this bulletin. 
Work ScheduleThis is an exempt position with a full-time schedule, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week, 12-month work calendar. The position may require incumbents to work additional hours as necessary.Compensation
Salary placement for new employees is typically at the first step ($105,681.00/annually) of the six (6) step salary schedule. Upon successful completion of the initial probationary period, a one-step salary advance shall be granted with all future annual advances occurring on the established anniversary date.  

• Compensation Incentive
  A $10,000 signing bonus will be extended to new employees qualified for hire to the position. A three-year commitment is required to receive the bonus. This incentive expires August 30, 2024.

Probationary PeriodPersons in this position are required to successfully satisfy a probationary period of one (1) year from the date of appointment. During this period, an employee must demonstrate an overall satisfactory level of performance.  
Benefits
The District offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and qualified legal dependents. Health and welfare benefits are earned in accordance with the District's insurance program. Click hereto view the current benefit plan matrix. Leaves
One (1) day of paid sick leave of absence is earned for each full month of service. The amount of sick leave granted may be accumulated from year to year. Vacation is earned at the rate of two (2) days for each month in paid status for a maximum of twenty-four (24) days per year. There are seventeen (17) paid holidays that fall within the work year.
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.
______________________________EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
In accordance with Federal civil rights law, civil rights regulations and policies, the Palmdale School District, its offices, and employees, are prohibited from discriminating based on age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, marital status, nationality, parental status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity.
For further information regarding Palmdale School District's non-discrimination, sexual harassment and Title IX policies and/or Coordinator contact information, please click the following link: https://www.palmdalesd.org/domain/2092For further information regarding Palmdale School District’s Personnel Sexual Harassment Board Policy, BP 4119.11, please click the following link:https://www.palmdalesd.org/cms/lib/CA02000054/Centricity/Domain/54/PSD Sexual Harrassment 05242021.pdf(Download PDF reader)