Preschool Occupational Therapist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:Preschool Occupational Therapist

Department: Learning Center

Status: Hourly / Part-time (20 hours per week)

Grant Funded: yes

Supervisor: Education Director

Subordinates: None

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides occupational therapy and services for preschool-aged students, ages 2-6, that includes assessment, development of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and plans, therapy, and direct intervention strategies and activities to assist students in acquiring functional and independent life skills within their occupational performance in the educational setting. Works with staff and provides consultation and training to school personnel and families. Grant funding is available for 5 years. Once grant funding has expired, there is no guarantee of future employment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides occupational therapy services to students by conducting assessments in context to their occupational performance within the educational setting using an ecological model to determine their strengths and level of need in areas that may include physical, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory components
• Participates in pre-referral screenings, provides support and recommendations as part of the general education process, and facilitates transition planning
• Participates in intervention planning and implementation of IEP and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) services
• Develops well defined educationally relevant goals and objectives that are part of the student's individual educational program
• Evaluates student progress on individual IEP and IFSP goals and revises goals as needed
• Prepares occupational therapy assessments and progress and makes recommendations
• As a part of the IFSP or IEP team the OT collaborates with professional staff to determine an individualized education plan for students eligible for special education services
• Instructs and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams in occupational therapy treatment approach, and instructional support on understanding, interpreting, and implementing intervention procedures
• Consults with parents/guardians and staff on occupational therapy interventions for students
• Provides training and continuing professional development to teachers and resource staff
• Keeps up-to-date on current clinical, theoretical and educational research in the profession and develops up-to-date best practices for therapy services
• Ensures the documentation of services is professional, efficient, and accountable, and in conformance with the policies of state and other agencies
• Modifies and may design adaptive equipment that enhances students' ability to access learning and technology
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:

• Specialized knowledge of the physical, sensory, intellectual, social, and emotional growth patterns of children, including the developmental and educational needs of children with specific disabilities
• Knowledge of current theories and best practices in the application of occupational therapy techniques, including oral motor facilitation, daily living activities, sensory impairments, perceptual-motor, fine motor development, and normal and abnormal child development
• Ability to write professionally for write reports and correspondence that may be sensitive and have legal implications
• Ability to move to various class and meeting room settings, to stoop, bend and kneel, and to reach
• Ability to recognize words, numbers, and non-verbal actions of people
• Ability to project voice and carry out conversations with individuals and small groups in person and over the phone
• Hand-arm motion ability and coordination to assist others with physical movements
• Hand-eye-arm coordination ability to use special diagnostic devices and a personal computer keyboard to access and record information
• Sufficient human relations skills to achieve and maintain trust and cooperation with staff and families

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in occupational therapy (or bachelor’s degree if received prior to 2007) from an accredited four-year college or university and proof of continuing education.
• Experience: One year’s experience in a school setting preferred.
• License to practice in California
• Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and registration by the American Occupational Therapy Association
• Travel to different locations and school sites within the county is required.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License.
• Schedule subject to changes as program develops.
• Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace (including marijuana) as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
• Indian preference will apply. The Pala Band of Mission Indians will give hiring preference to fully qualified applicants that are Pala Tribal Members. Pala Band of Mission Indians is an equal opportunity employer.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Personnel Policies and Procedures of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addenda.