City and County of San Francisco

Under general supervision of the senior therapist, assesses, plans, and implements appropriate occupational therapy intervention treatment and rehabilitation to patients in acute and long-term care hospitals, senior programs, mental-health centers, outpatient services, home health settings, schools and other similar institutions and performs related duties as required.

This is the journey-level classification in the occupational therapist series. Employees utilize specific therapeutic activities in order to aid the patients, physical and mental rehabilitation. Although the basic duties and responsibilities of all occupational therapists are similar, the emphasis of the treatment program may differ according to the particular type of patients and the nature of their disabilities. Positions are distinguished from the next higher level of Senior Occupational Therapist in that the latter direct therapists in administering treatments and function as program administrators.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Plans, administers and evaluates occupational therapy treatment programs for patients as prescribed by physicians; assesses patient's potential for involvement in treatment, employment and/or discharge plans; consults with other members of the rehabilitation team in order to coordinate therapeutic activities for individual patients.

2. Conducts various tests with individual patients in order to evaluate their physical capabilities and functional level and to determine treatments.

3. Retrains patients by giving instruction and assistance in the area of demonstrated deficits, including providing specific activities to increase upper extremity range of motion, muscle strength or coordination. When prescribed, may provide evaluation and treatment for perceptual and sensorimotor defects or may emphasize therapy for motor maturity, including gross and fine motor abilities.

4. Assists in planning and supervising the social, recreational and work activities of patients; provides assessment and training of cognitive function pertaining to independence in life management skills and activities. When prescribed, may provide psychological support services or attend and participate in group therapy sessions for patients.

5. Constructs appropriate splints and adaptive equipment which enable patients to perform normal skills and engage in therapeutic activities. When prescribed, may provide specialized equipment for trauma and burn patients.

6. Maintains individual patient's charts indicating treatments, objectives, progress and evaluations; prepares initial and progress reports; requisitions necessary materials and supplies and maintains them in good working condition.

7. Consults with and advises medical and health care staff concerning patient's therapeutic potential and progress; confers with patients' families about patient's progress and abilities; teaches families self-care techniques.

Requires good working knowledge of: current occupational therapy principles and practices; physical, mental and emotional disabilities and diseases; basic principles of anatomy, biology, kinesiology, neurophysiology, psychology and abnormal psychology. Knowledge of child growth and development desirable in specified positions requiring work with children.

Requires ability to: evaluate the condition of individual patients and plan and implement appropriate treatment programs accordingly; understand and interpret physician's orders; explain occupational therapy techniques to others; document the therapeutic process and prepare related data. Ability to work with children is desirable in specified positions requiring work with children.

Requires skill in: involving patients in participation in therapeutic activities, including life management skills, activities of daily living, and specifically designed crafts and fabrication of splints.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Experience:

License and Certification:
Possession of a valid Occupational Therapy License issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT); OR

Acceptance by the California Board of Occupational Therapy for the next examination of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

Amended: 4/20/1981; 4/24/2015

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.