CLASS TITLE:
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of a Medical Therapy Unit Supervisor, provide
occupational therapy to individuals in the California Children Services Medical
Therapy Unit (CCS/MTU) with medically eligible conditions; evaluate,
develop and implement occupational therapy treatment plans in response to
client needs and disabilities; train and provide work
direction and guidance to therapy support staff.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Provide occupational therapy to clients in the CCS/MTU as prescribed by
physician instructions; select and utilize appropriate evaluation tools;
prepare written evaluations of client needs; establish functional goals and achievable
objectives based on evaluations and clinical observation.
Evaluate, develop
and implement occupational therapy treatment plans, programs and sessions in
response to client needs and disabilities; monitor,
evaluate and adjust initial and subsequent treatment plans, programs and
therapy activities in response to client needs and progress.
Perform evaluation procedures such as tone, range of motion, strength,
muscle and fine motor coordination, cognition, developmental state, visual and
perceptual abilities, oral motor function, sensation, proprioception and other
tests; analyze results to determine extent of patient deficits, limitations and
disabilities;
Provide training and assistance to staff, patients, families, school
personnel and others concerning occupational therapy and related treatment
plans, methods, principles, theories, standards, guidelines, requirements,
practices and procedures; make home and school site visits to evaluate the
physical environments of clients and assist in determining program, equipment
and other therapeutic needs.
Train and provide work direction and guidance to assigned therapy support
staff; recommend caseload assignment for therapy support staff; oversee patient
care treatments provided by support staff; review work for compliance with
established standards, policies and procedures.
Implement direct patient care program; perform complex treatments such as
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, muscle re-education, bulbar
treatment, joint and soft tissue mobilization, Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
training, oral motor intervention and feeding techniques, neuro-developmental
techniques, functional electrical stimulation, and fabrication and application
of orthotic devices; provide prosthetic training and post-operative management.
Confer and consult with physicians regarding evaluation, treatment and
progress of patients, changes in treatment plans and discharge plans; provide
recommendations to physicians for enhancing the functions of patients by use of
a wide variety of medical, surgical or bracing procedures.
Monitor and evaluate client needs for new equipment such as braces,
wheelchairs, ADL aids and equipment, and bathing aids and equipment; write
letters of medical justification for Durable Medical Equipment (DME); evaluate
existing equipment for effectiveness and make appropriate modifications; make
adjustments in response to client growth as needed; instruct parents and
caregivers in the maintenance and safe use of equipment; consult with DME
providers as needed.
Consult with classroom personnel regarding appropriate positioning for
clients in the classroom and appropriate physical activities for clients.
Develop implement and instruct families and caregivers concerning home
exercise programs for occupational therapy.
Compile
information and prepare and maintain various records and detailed written
reports, case notes and summaries concerning patients, treatment, therapeutic
activities, goals, objectives, progress, evaluations and assigned duties in
accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures.
Communicate with clients, physicians, personnel, schools, outside
agencies and others to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns;
prepare, distribute and respond to a variety of correspondence.
Operate a variety of standard office equipment including a computer and
assigned software; drive a vehicle to conduct work; utilize various hand and
power tools in the design and fabrication of positioning devices such as
splints, braces and special seating.
Coordinate client programs, schedules, transportation and other matters
with others.
Order supplies for office and clinic as assigned.
Attend and participate in various meetings, workshops, in-services and
clinics as assigned; attend IEP meetings as necessary.
Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in medical equipment
and advances in occupational therapy techniques.
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles and techniques of occupational therapy.
Practices,
procedures and techniques involved in the development and implementation of
treatment plans, programs and sessions for individual clients according to individual
needs and
disabilities.
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Statistics including awareness of concepts and probabilities, standard scoring, standard
deviation and correlation.
Neurology and neuroanatomy concerning central and peripheral nervous system.
Anatomy including musculoskeletal system.
Physiology including neuro-chemical processes, disease processes and related
prognoses and contraindications.
Crafts including materials and equipment required, analysis of physical requirements,
analysis of exercises or other contributions as treatment for special
disabilities and
contraindications for use as treatment for specific disabilities, or
other conditions.
Methods, materials and equipment used to alter existing or fabricate specialized
equipment.
Safety precautions including hazards associated with client’s specific activities.
Oral and written communication skills.
Record-keeping techniques.
Principles of training and providing work direction.
Health and safety regulations.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
BLS techniques.
ABILITY TO:
Provide occupational therapy to clients in the CCS/MTU as prescribed by
physician
instructions.
Evaluate, develop
and implement occupational therapy treatment plans in response to
student needs and
disabilities.
Train and provide work direction and guidance to therapy support staff.
Evaluate physical functions and the developmental level of children.
Provide training and assistance to teachers, staff, parents and others concerning
occupational therapy and related treatment.
Communicate effectively with families of handicapped individuals.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with
others.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Monitor and evaluate equipment needs.
Order, design and fabricate positioning devices including splints, braces
and special
seating to assist in the prevention of deformity and increased function
of clients.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.
Prepare written evaluations and review medical reports.
Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Maintain current knowledge of related technological advances and other matters.
Prioritize and schedule work.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Observe health and safety regulations.
Perform BLS as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to:
bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and one year experience in
pediatric occupational therapy.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Registered Occupational Therapist Certificate issued by the
California Board of Occupational Therapy.
Valid California driver’s license.
Current BLS certificate.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Therapy center environment.
Driving
a vehicle to conduct work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office and therapeutic
equipment.
Seeing to monitor client progress and read a variety of materials.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling heavy objects as assigned by the
position.