Extended School Year (ESY) 2026: Occupational Therapist

Adopted: 11/7/01 SOQUEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT Job Description TITLE:Occupational Therapist (Contracted Services) DESCRIPTION:Provide skilled Occupational Therapy services to students with neuromuscular, orthopedic or sensory diagnoses whose conditions affect their educational experience. The primary role is to provide treatment, which will enable the student to meet his/her maximum level of function and independence while attaining educational goals. REPORTS TO: Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services-Personnel EVALUATED BY: Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services-Personnel MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Provide direct and individual Occupational Therapy services to qualifying students following the goals of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Design appropriate treatment or activity program for student based on diagnosis and assessment. Teach age appropriate self-help skills to include eating, dressing, grooming, hygiene, and home and community skills. Assist with oral-motor development as it relates to chewing and swallowing. Development of fine-motor skills including prehension, release and skilled hand usage. Assist with therapeutic exercises using prescribed activities. Assess/increase joint range of motion of the shoulders, arms and hands for fine-motor and self-help skills; Assess/improve muscle strength of the upper body. Provide activities for perceptual motor development. Integrate student’s awareness of his/her body scheme. Provide advice, assistance and techniques to classroom teacher and/or parents while providing direct services to student, enabling ongoing support of student. Provide recommendations and training regarding adaptive equipment and assistive technology when appropriate. Collaborate with other professionals such as physical therapist, classroom teacher, and speech pathologist with the goal of providing a coordinated network of support for students. Provide activities and exercises to develop students’ sensory integration skills when appropriate. Maintain accurate student records including evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes, observations and attendance for each therapy session. Reports to be submitted monthly to the assistant superintendent. Communicate verbally and in writing, any significant changes in the student’s condition to the assistant superintendent in a timely manner. Respect school district participation in the therapy plan. Maintain confidentiality. Attend student IEP when requested. Maintain regular attendance. Work cooperatively with others. Work as part of a coordinated team of professionals. Train others (teachers, parents) to provide ongoing support to students. Maintain accurate and precise records and prepare reports. Effectively work with and relate to students with special needs. Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties. Meet the physical requirements necessary to successfully perform the job. Maintain regular attendance. Work cooperatively with others. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: Training and Experience: Completion of a full curriculum in Occupational Therapy as offered in a school whose program has been approved by the Council of Medical Education of the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association; current registration and certification as Occupational Therapist through an approved Board of Occupational Therapy; minimum of one-year experience providing Occupational Therapy to students, preferably in a school setting. Training and/or experience in sensory integration diagnosis and therapy. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: A pre-placement physical examination may be required. Evidence of a negative TB test every four years.