Classified Job Description

Title: School Occupational Therapist

Salary Schedule Range: 68 ($53.58 to $63.78 an hour to start, DOE)

Purpose of Position: To provide occupational therapy and services, including assessments, development of Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) goals and objectives, and therapeutic assistance to students in acquiring functional and independent life skills.

Reporting: Reports to a District-level certificated administrator

Employment Status: Full-time (FLSA Non-exempt)

Location: Itinerant

Essential Functions:

Provide occupational therapy services to students by conducting assessments within the educational setting using a variety of techniques or models to determine the level of need.

Develop educationally relevant goals that are part of the student’s educational program.

Evaluate student progress on individual IEP goals and revise goals as needed; prepare reports of occupational therapy assessments and progress.

Consult with parents and staff on occupational therapy interventions for students on site and through home programs. Attend IEP meetings as necessary to ensure that prescribed interventions support educational goals.

Coordinate occupational therapy services with the student’s educational team.

Instruct multi-disciplinary teams in treatment approaches related to instructional support; provide in-service training and continuing professional learning to certificated teachers, resource providers, and paraeducators.

Develop best practices for therapy services.

Prepare documentation of services that conforms with professional standards of state and other agencies.

Design modify, or consult regarding adaptive equipment that enhances student ability to access learning and technology.

Maintain punctual and consistent attendance.

Other Functions:

Perform related duties as assigned.

Participate in meetings, in-service trainings, and Professional Learning Community activities.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

Inside work with no exposure to weather conditions and some outside work with exposure to weather conditions during outdoor activities or field trips.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to read a variety of documents, diagnostic instruments, and to monitor students; dexterity of arms, hands and fingers to assist others with physical movement or use assistive equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods of time, bending or stooping to assist students with learning activities, kneeling, crouching and walking for extended periods of time; reaching overhead, above the shoulders or horizontally to store or retrieve materials. Requires the ability to lift, carry, push and move supplies, fixtures, wheelchairs, etc., of light to medium weight (50 pounds and under) on a regular basis, and heavy weights (75 pounds or less) without labor saving equipment on a frequent basis.

May be required to assist with loading/unloading of students with severe disabilities onto vans, buses or other forms of transportation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of core subjects taught in K12 school districts; basic instructional strategies and techniques; general understanding of student learning styles or modalities.

Knowledge of the Education Code as it relates to the specific accountability of this position.

Basic knowledge of autism and other developmental disabilities; principles of applied behavior analysis and instructional methodologies.

Ability to relate to students individually or in some groups, and to certificated teachers, parents, specialists, and paraeducators; advanced interpersonal skills and sensitivity to a diverse population of students and parents.

Ability to use a personal computer, tablet, or other devices and mass market software programs like MS Office and Google Suite to support diagnostic assessment.

Ability to perform statistical analysis of quantitative or qualitative data.

Ability to communicate effectively with students and staff; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Advanced written communication skills; produce reports or correspondence that may be of a sensitive nature and have legal implications.

Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain state, district, or local policies or procedures.

Ability to apply appropriate safety practices in classroom or other educational settings.

Ability to use appropriate English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or direction.

Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions.

Ability to meet schedules, timelines, and treatment objectives.

Ability to work collaboratively with others.

Education, Training and Experience:

Master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited four-year college or university.

Additional Requirements:

Valid registration by the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), a license to practice in California, and proof of continuing education.

Valid CA driver’s license may be required.

Bilingual fluency in Spanish is desirable.

*This position is eligible for Language Services premium pay

Non Discrimination Statement:

The Santa Barbara Unified School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or disability, affiliation with Scouting America or other designated youth groups, association with a person or group having one or more of these characteristics, or any other basis protected by law, in its educational programs, activities, and employment. Direct questions or complaints to Student & Family Services, 720 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; (805) 963-4338, ext. 6278 or 6208 (English and Spanish); titleixucp@sbunified.org.