Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
Current license with the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
Must be eligible for State Skilled Professional Medical Personnel (SPMP) classification as defined by 42 CFR PART 432.
Education and Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time experience as a professional OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, which includes pediatric experience.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
DEFINITIONUnder direct supervision, plans, develops, and performs occupational therapy services for physically handicapped children up to age 21; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis is a specialized journey level professional classification. Incumbents are responsible for the development and performance of occupational therapy services for children covered by the California Children Services Program.
This class is distinguished from Physical Therapist in that the latter provides physical therapy to assist with the child's neuro-muscular development.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives direct supervision from assigned supervisory staff. Exercises no supervision over staff. May provide technical and functional direction to assigned staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIESClass specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
- Plans and carries out a full range of occupational therapy involving specialized skills for neuro-muscularly, orthopedically, and physically disabled children.
- Interviews parents and administers the appropriate tests and/or evaluations to assess physical and/or psychosocial dysfunctions, including but not limited to the range of motion, muscle testing, sensory integration, coordination, activities of daily living, pre-vocational, home evaluation, and equipment needs.
- Reviews clinical records, medical prescriptions, and/or physician referral to develop treatment plans, utilizing selected methods, which may include therapeutic exercises and functional activities to promote muscle return, sensory re-education, muscle facilitation, activities of daily living, and transfer training and adaptive equipment fabrication.
- Observes patient reactions and notes changes.
- Keeps records and makes reports of treatment and progress.
- Modifies treatment plans in response to significant changes in patient's condition.
- Devises or adapts equipment as required.
- Consults with others involved with patient treatment to maintain consistency.
- Attends clinics, conferences, and meetings.
- May coordinate and employ several treatment approaches to accomplish treatment objectives.
- May perform special evaluations and tests.
- May work at different sites in the county.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of occupational therapy theory, methods, procedures, and equipment involved with an emphasis on pediatrics.
- Human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and neurology.
- Basic principles of psychology and psychopathology.
- Perceptual-motor theory and principles.
- Medical terminology.
- Principles and practices of arts, crafts and recreational activities commonly used in occupational therapy.
- Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Customer service principles and techniques.
- Written and oral communications skills.
- Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
- Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.
Ability to:
- Apply occupational therapy principles and practices.
- Plan therapy treatments and make modifications as a person progresses.
- Evaluate the condition and progress of patients regarding occupational therapy needs.
- Develop therapeutic techniques and devices.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy techniques.
- Coordinate different treatment approaches to accomplish objectives.
- Coordinate treatment plans with other staff.
- Prepare and maintain accurate medical records.
- Deal tactfully and courteously with patients and their families.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Regularly work well under pressure, meeting critical deadlines.
- Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
Current license with the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
Must be eligible for State Skilled Professional Medical Personnel (SPMP) classification as defined by 42 CFR PART 432.
Education and Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time experience as a professional OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, which includes pediatric experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTSThe County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
This position may require local and statewide travel, as necessary.
A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).
Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.
The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a "meet and confer" process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.
Employment Type: Part-Time 20 Hours Per Week