OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SPECIALIST

CLASS TITLE:OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SPECIALISTBASIC FUNCTION:Under the direction of the Special Education Director, provide assessment consultation toparents/teachers; provide direct treatment for children with disabling condition from age 3 to 21 as partof a multi-disciplinary team; provide occupational therapy intervention to pupils; perform related dutiesas required.REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:Collaborate with district team members to provide individual, in-depth assessment of children todetermine the nature and extent of motor disabilities.Write assessment reports describing the motor development of children; provide on-siteinterpretation/summaries of assessment results to parents.Participate in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting to develop/update annual goals/shorttermobjectives; consult with family/staff on appropriate implementation of educational programs asthey relate to the development of motor skills; recommend appropriate materials.Demonstrate educational/developmental strategies; suggest appropriate activities to accomplishmotor goals set in the IEP.Provide direct occupational therapy service when appropriate; direct the work of student interns/staffas assigned; provide in-service training for teachers, aides and parents in area of specialty; participatein local/state presentations as necessary.Provide assistance to teacher by demonstrating exercises/activities; monitor therapy received bypupils and record progress; prepare reports; may direct the work of student interns/staff.Design and develop adaptive equipment and adjust for proper fit as needed; monitor equipment andother assistive technologies; organize kits for use in therapy intervention.Act as liaison to staff, physicians, parents and other agencies in implementing the pupil's IEP.Actively support/participate in the district integration program as appropriate.May travel to other sites as assigned.KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:Knowledge of:The intellectual, sensory and physical development of children.Techniques used in the assessment and treatment of disabilities.Education/developmental needs of children with specific disabilities.Application of occupational therapy techniques in working with children with disabilities.Ability to:Make accurate assessment of the developmental status/educational needs of children.Work collaboratively in transdisciplinary teams/families.Make oral presentations to large/small groups.Communicate effectively orally and in writing.Recommend educationally related treatment objectives and implement therapy.

Occupational Therapy Specialist Page 2EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Any combination equivalent to: graduation from an accredited school for Occupational Therapysupplemented by one year of recent, full-time equivalent experience in occupational therapy withchildren with disabilities in a variety of settings including school, home and clinics. Experience workingas a member of a transdisciplinary team is highly desirable.CERTIFICATES REQUIREMENTS:Verification of certification by the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) isrequired prior to appointment. A valid California driver's license is required.WORKING CONDITIONS:Subject to exposure to communicable or infectious diseases, emergency medical situations andlifting/moving physically disabled students.