Occupational Therapist - $32,000 Sign-On Bonus
Upper Lake Unified School District – Job Description Job Title: Occupational Therapist Department: Special Education Reports To: Director of Special Education Classification: Certificated JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services/Director of Special Education or designee, the Occupational Therapist provides students with occupational therapy assessments and services: provides assessment(s), consultation of District staff and parents in identifying students for occupational therapy intervention and provide services according to Individualized Education Plans (IEP); assists in program development to incorporate occupational therapy strategies into classrooms; provides in-service to District staff; and performs other related duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: • Assess students’ abilities and performance in activities that are related to the curriculum and applicable to activities of daily living. • Upon referral, evaluate students to determine identified needs, goals, accommodations and/or modifications for each student, in cooperation with school staff. • Perform periodic re-evaluation of students as necessary and make adjustments in the students’ IEP goals. • Identify and document student abilities and educational, developmental and functional needs with the IEP team and during specified time periods the OT will complete progress monitoring and complete progress reports in the student information system. • Develop, coordinate and implement individual occupational therapy intervention plans that support the IEP goals and objectives with the IEP team. • Participate in team meetings/SST/IEP/504 meetings when necessary. • Develop high quality, evidenced based assessment reports either individually or as part of a team assessment. • Assist in developing student transition plans, programs and goals. • Supervise directly and indirectly the professional and technical staff; develop individual occupational therapy intervention plans and maintain appropriate documentation and reports. • Provides technical assistance in the acquisition, design, repair, modification or utilization of assistive devices and adaptive equipment used to meet the specific needs of students receiving OT as part of their total educational program. • Collaborate with members of teaching and support staff in the development of a variety of strategies to meet the educational needs of students, including interpretation of related goals and objectives, related medical conditions, sensory needs, neuromuscular dysfunction and orthopedic impairments requiring occupational therapy intervention. • Understand and comply with State and Federal Regulations as they pertain to the position. • Document findings, actions taken, recommendations made regarding areas of service and maintain records as required by law, Board Policy and Administrative Regulations. • Provide consultation and staff development to parents, students, teachers, program staff and administrators. • Attend designated staff and professional meetings and participate in training and in-service that facilitates professional growth. Occupational Therapist ULUSD – Occupational Therapist • Develops long and short-range plans/programs for the purpose of ensuring that the District’s resources are effectively utilized and to improve student achievement for all students. • Evaluates programs and/or projects for the purpose of carrying out and achieving objectives within area of responsibility. • Document services times and related infomration into the district approved documentation platform • Maintain and seek doctor approvals/prescriptions for Medi-Cal related services • Assist in providing consultation and advisement to administrators, teachers, and parents regarding the general and special education programs and supports under the Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), as appropriate • Performs other related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE OF: • Principles and methods of program management. • Research and evaluation. • Techniques of statistical analysis. • State and federal special needs programs. • Developing special education curriculum and instructional methodologies. • Lesson design and curriculum pacing. • Organizational dynamics and school district organization. • Principal and techniques of public relations. • Applicable Federal, State and District rules, policies, regulations and procedures related to area of responsibility. • Modern office computer devices and programs/Assistive Technology devices and programs. • Federal and State reporting and evaluation requirements. • Skills necessary to successfully perform major duties and responsibilities including effective oral and written communications. ESSENTIL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • Visionary leadership skills. • Excellent problem-solving abilities. • Effectively communicate work and communication across all user levels within the District. • Strong written, verbal and presentation skills. • Communicate effectively orally and in writing. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and parents. • Effectively prepare and present staff development programs in general education and special education areas. • Collect and analyze data and information. • Prepare clear, complete, concise general and statistical reports. • Analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action. • Interpret and apply Administrative and Board policies, laws and regulations. • Train, supervise and evaluate assigned personnel. • Thrive in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment, maintaining composure and a positive attitude. ULUSD – Occupational Therapist LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES • Must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited four- year college or university and have a valid license of proficiency in occupational therapy services issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy • Experience working with students with a range of disabilities (learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, autism, etc.) • A certificate stating freedom from Tuberculosis (in person only). • A valid Driver’s License and the ability to provide transportation between various school sites during the course of a workday (in person only). • Valid First Aid and CPR Certification through the American Red Cross preferred. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: The physical abilities described here are those that must be met by an employee to successfully carry out the essential functions of this job. • Persons performing service in this position classification will exert 10 to 30 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects and technology equipment. • This type of work involves sitting, standing, lifting and moving most of the time, but may involve walking for brief periods. • Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, providing oral information, the manual dexterity to operate technical/business related equipment, and handle and work with various materials and objects are important aspects of this job. • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. Board Approved: December 13, 2023 Upper Lake Unified School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer Upper Lake Unified School District does not engage in unlawful discrimination. Unlawful discrimination is discrimination on the basis of religion, race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, nationality, ethnic group identification, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, veteran status or any other factor provided for by state and federal laws and regulations