ORANGE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS SPECIFICATION Orange, California July 2004 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, serve as a member of the educational team serving the needs of children and their families; provide assessment and direct services related to sensory-motor development and other identified developmental needs; provide consultation related to sensory-motor development; provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services based upon needs determined through the IFSP/IEP process; provide services to infant, preschool and elementary children and their families. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: • Serve as a member of the educational team serving the needs of children and their families; provide assessment and direct services related to sensory-motor development and other identified developmental needs; provide consultation related to sensory-motor development; provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services based upon needs determined through the IFSP/IEP process; provide services to infant, preschool and elementary children and their families. • Evaluate student performance in a variety of areas including fine motor tasks, oral dysfunction, sensory impairments, perceptual motor skills, posture and movement; • Recommend methods and strategies to address student needs for therapy services; • Instruct teachers, educational staff, and families in positioning and handling techniques; • Develop and review student goals and objectives in accordance with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP); • Maintain records and documents; • Provide education, training and support to families related to student programming needs; conduct home and natural environment visits; recommend, design, create and assist in acquiring adaptive equipment and special toys; demonstrate use of adaptive equipment. • Conduct developmental assessments and participate as a team member to determine program eligibility; assess student sensory-motor abilities and needs using a variety of tools; evaluate needs and progress toward goals as needed. • Attend Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings and assist in developing IFSP and IEP goals; update student files based on assessment information and data; present assessment information to staff to determine team assignments. • Maintain files on students as part of the IFSP and IEP team; prepare letters and formal requests to agencies for equipment needs, funding sources and coordinate related services. • Plan and prepare for therapy sessions; develop projects, clean and maintain equipment, and set up and break down sensory-motor room equipment. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: • Educational and developmental needs of young children with specific disabilities, applicable treatment modalities and theory for the pediatric populations, assessment tools, treatment approaches and adaptive equipment for children with cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, orthopedic conditions, genetic syndromes and other developmental disabilities; • Child development and developmental disabilities, diagnosis and syndromes and applicable treatment and techniques. • Motor and reflex development. • Adaptive equipment and splinting. • Medical, educational and other community resources and agencies. • Appropriate instructional materials for students. • Record-keeping techniques. • Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. • Policies and objectives of assigned program and activities • Applicable sections of the State Education Code and other applicable laws. • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. • Health and safety regulations. • Proper lifting techniques. ABILITY TO: • Observe and assess gross motor development, perceptual development, self-help, oral motor development and sensory processing. • Develop and conduct sensory-motor focused interventions. • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with students, parents, staff, and other community agencies regarding technical information. • Develop and implement appropriate treatment plans. • Develop and conduct parent interviews. • Lift and move adaptive equipment. • Work cooperatively with others; share individual knowledge, skills and talents. • Maintain records and prepare reports. • Operate a computer to enter data, maintain records and generate reports. • Prioritize and schedule work. • Learn department and program objectives and goals. • Maintain current knowledge of technical advances in the field. • Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or related field or certification in Pediatric Occupational Therapy which may include sensory integration. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: • Certification by National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) • Cleared California State License from California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT) • Valid First Aid and CPR certification • Valid California Driver's License WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: • Indoor work environment. • Driving a vehicle to conduct work. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: • Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate therapy equipment. • Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to utilize therapy equipment. • Sitting or standing for extended periods of time while working with students. • Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students. • Hearing and speaking to exchange information. • Pushing or pulling wheelchairs, mobility toys and other equipment. • Carrying moderately heavy students, objects and adaptive equipment up to 50 pounds.