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Occupational Therapist (#433110)
$42.89-$52.13 Hourly / $7,434.13-$9,036.23 Monthly / $89,209.54-$108,434.75 Yearly
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CLASS SUMMARY

Conducts evaluations and plans and administers occupational therapy and treatment to physically and/or mentally disabled clients; provides treatment recommendations to achieve maximum functioning level.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is an entry/journey level classification, characterized by the responsibility to help disabled individuals become more self-sufficient and independent.  Employees initially receive immediate supervision, progressing to general supervision as experience is acquired. Incumbents provide direct and indirect occupational therapy services as part of a multi-disciplinary team to disabled clients as prescribed by a physician.  Employees work within a framework of established procedures. This class is distinguished from Senior Therapist in that the latter directs and coordinates the work of subordinate therapist staff.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general supervision from the Senior Therapist.

Exercises no supervision.

Essential Duties

Selects treatment activities on the basis of individual’s needs, diagnosis and desired results; conducts home and school visits to evaluate patients status, provide consultation and monitor progress.
 
Provides equipment purchase recommendations for such items as wheelchairs and toys; performs minor repairs on such equipment; consults with vendors on equipment availability and options.
 
Plans, organizes and participates in activities to enhance daily living skills which are suited to the clients physical capacity, intelligence level, and interest; provides instruction and education on individual home therapy activities.
 
Prepares clients for maximum independence and integration into society through the use of various therapeutic techniques, equipment and assessments.
 
Participates in clinical conferences and consults with physical therapists, speech therapists, physicians, mental health professionals, case managers and parents of others to insure full utilization of resources available and proper treatment.
 
Initiates and maintains charts, records and reports on clients; schedules appointments and may perform other clerical activities related to the therapy assignment; documents therapy time for statistical and billing purposes; attends various staff meetings.

Performs special tasks to assist clients; cleans therapy mats, equipment and toys; performs pick-up and delivery of patients for therapy sessions

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:
 
Principles, methods, equipment and objectives involved in providing occupational therapy to physically and mentally disabled clients.
 
Skeletal anatomy and physiology as related to occupational therapy.
 
Mechanical functioning of the body in order to match activities to treatment requirements.
 
Skills to:
 
Utilize mechanics tools, diagnostic tools, therapy devices, splinting tools, and related therapy equipment.
 
Observe the effects of placing the client in various positions and in handling the client.
 
Drive a motor vehicle.
 
Ability to:
 
Observe the client in self-care, fine and/or gross motor movements to determine appropriate therapy treatment plan.
 
Interpret medical prescriptions into meaningful therapy programs.
 
Secure cooperation and teamwork among clients, professionals and/or support persons.
 
Determine and evaluate levels of clients’ achievement and performance.
 
Maintain confidentiality of information.
 
Deal firmly and fairly with clients of various socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments.
 
Maintain accurate records and document actions taken.
 
Learn and make referrals to local and regional providers of social, medical and/or other specialized services.

Education and Experience

Experience:

No experience required. 
 
Education/Training:
 
Bachelor’s Degree is required from an accredited college or university in Occupational Therapy.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQ

Possession of or ability to obtain valid registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. 
  
Will be required to become licensed as an Occupational Therapist with the State of California by January, 2003. 
  
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's license is required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Ability:  Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-40 pounds). 
  
Sensory Requirements:  Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination.  Some tasks require oral communications ability. 
  
Environmental Factors:  Incumbents must be able to work in an environment that may include exposure to communicable disease.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Independent travel is required. 

Positions allocated to this class may require bilingual skills. 

Individuals selected for employment must, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with the provisions of Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting.

CLASS: 433110; EST: 10/1/2001; REV: 6/1/2002;