Occupational Therapist

SANTA ANA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST BASIC FUNCTION: Under the coordination of the Special Education Department and direct supervision of an assigned administrator, provides assessment, consultation to parents and teachers, and/or direct treatment for children with disabling conditions from age 0 to 22 as part of a multidisciplinary team; prepares records and reports; and performs related work as required. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Evaluate students using standardized tests, observation, and/or clinically derived surveys in areas including perceptual-motor skills, motor coordination, sensory integration development, and muscle strength. E Devise a treatment program aimed at improving the identified areas of function, as they relate to the child's educational needs. (Including areas itemized in #1.) E Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members upon written referral. E Participate in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting to develop/update goals and objectives and be responsible for providing direct service and/or consultation in order to meet these goals. Monitor ongoing progress and provide assistance to the classroom teacher. E Provide ongoing consultation to the classroom teachers regarding appropriate motor coordination, social skills development, and perceptual motor skills. E Act as liaison to District staff, physicians, parents, and other agencies in implementing a treatment plan, providing collaborative and consultative services. Maintain records and reports as required and for complying with Santa Ana Unified School District administrative policies, and State and federal laws and regulations. Attend meetings and conferences. Travel to different sites as required. Perform related duties as required. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Laws and regulations governing occupational therapy services. Laws and regulations relating to special education programs and criteria for student placement. Intellectual, sensory, and physical development of young children. Techniques used in the assessment and treatment of disabilities. Educational and development needs of young children with specific disabilities. KNOWLEDGE OF (CONTINUED) Applicable treatment modalities and theory for the pediatric population. Community resources and referral options for children with disability conditions. ABILITY TO: Make accurate assessment of the developmental status and educational needs of young children. Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. Work collaboratively with parents. Effectively communicate occupational therapy treatment techniques and goals to parents, teachers, and other program staff. Skillfully apply occupational therapy techniques in the treatment of children with disabilities. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Work independently. Establish general schedules and priorities. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Consult effectively with teachers and staff regarding students' needs in the classroom. Perform the essential functions of the job. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy and at least one year of recent paid supervised Occupational Therapy; experience in pediatrics; training in Sensory Integration required; and certification in Sensory Integration preferred. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Possess a valid California driver's license. Proof of registration with the American Occupational Therapy Association. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Office environment. Drive a vehicle to conduct work. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Hearing and speaking accurately to exchange information. Seeing to monitor student work, read a variety of materials, and drive a vehicle. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate instructional equipment. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students. Lifting or moving objects, normally not exceeding thirty (30) pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. Board Approved: (6/96) 5/01