Occupational Therapist (San Diego County)

Occupational Therapist San Diego County at Element Education Community Montessori & Dimensions Collaborative Charter Schools San Diego County

Seeking resourceful, creative, and driven candidates interested in joining a team dedicated to developing innovative practices, efficient systems, and strong relationships while cultivating a generation of life-long and self-determined learners. Come join our growing team.

The Occupational Therapist is a classified exempt position with Element Education Inc. (EEI). The Occupational Therapist shall provide educationally related occupational therapy services to students with various disabilities in accordance with the students Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). The Occupational Therapist will work in collaboration with and report to the Director of Student Services and SPED Program Manager. The Occupational Therapist is expected to handle a variety of assignments that relate to individual students specialized needs and related disabilities. They are expected to work independently with the students on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. The occupational therapist has a broad scope of evaluative tasks in the development, planning, and assessment of therapy programs.

Job Description

The Occupational Therapist is a classified exempt position with Element Education Inc. (EEI). The Occupational Therapist shall provide educationally related occupational therapy services to students with various disabilities in accordance with the students Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). The Occupational Therapist will work in collaboration with and report to the Director of Student Services and SPED Program Manager.

The Occupational Therapist is expected to handle a variety of assignments that relate to individual students specialized needs and related disabilities. They are expected to work independently with the students on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. The occupational therapist has a broad scope of evaluative tasks in the development, planning, and assessment of therapy programs.

Essential Functions

Support Student Learning

• Develop, implement, and update an occupational therapy program for students with various disabilities.
• Determine current levels of motor development, areas of educational concern, and the developmental areas of need.
• Assess students abilities and performance in activities related to the curriculum and applicable to activities of daily living.
• Identify and document students educational, developmental, functional needs with the IEP team.
• Write assessment reports.
• Assess individual students and develop appropriate intervention, including goals and objectives of the IEP team.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement individual occupational therapy intervention plans that support the IEP goals and objectives.
• Design plans and execute group occupational therapy plans that support the specialized instructional setting.
• Assist with the development of students transition plans, programs, and goals.
• Participate in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting to develop, update, annual goals, and short-term objectives.
• Recommend and utilize appropriate materials and/or specialized equipment to facilitate the implementation of individual educational programs related to motor skills development.

Record Keeping and Scheduling

• Record assessments, actions taken, and recommendations made regarding areas of service as required by law, board policies, administrative regulations, and the Special Education Department.
• Schedule plans and provide occupational therapy programs for students with physical limitations, orthopedic impairments, and/or other areas of concern for the purpose of aiding the students physical rehabilitation in accordance with IEP goals.
• Recommend designs and create adaptive equipment.
• Train and serve as a consultant to staff in areas such as sensory motor, sensory stimulation, body awareness, fine motor, and gross motor skills, and other areas within the therapists area of expertise.
• Demonstrate educational and developmental strategies to staff and families.
• Explain and provide training on occupational therapy and rehabilitative procedures.
• Provide consultation for classroom and home management of motor, sensory, perceptual, and self-care programs.
• Demonstrate appropriate activities for students to program staff.
• Provide consultative services to parents, students, teachers, and program staff.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns that arise from parents, students, teachers, and staff.

Accountability and General Administration

• Maintain accurate records and files.

• Maintain a neat and orderly work environment.

• Support staff as needed.

• Attend and participate in all required meetings, trainings, and school functions.

• Promote and participate in the creative exchange of ideas.

• Observe confidentiality.

• Return all correspondence, including phone calls and emails, in a timely manner.

• Be accessible during business hours and respond to administrative needs and inquiries.

• Comply with the organizations Safety Plan.

• Public Relations

• Develop positive relationships with parents and the general public associated with the organization.

• Communicate and support the organizations mission, policies, and procedures.

• Represent Element Education and its programs in a positive and professional manner.

• Assist with maintaining a positive and effective work environment.

• Treat all staff with respect, provide opportunities for participation in decision-making, and be responsive to the human needs of staff members.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of child development, intellectual, sensory, and physical development, neuromuscular function, dysfunctions, sensory motor integration, kinesiology, skeletal anatomy, and basic pathology related to orthopedic disabilities.
• Individual and group occupational therapy techniques commonly used for students with special needs.
• Techniques used in the assessment and treatment of disabilities.
• Educational and medical applications of adaptive equipment.
• Generally accepted standards of health and sanitation.
• Case management principles.
• Record keeping practices and procedures.
• Familiarity and commitment to the mission and educational philosophy of Element Education.
• Ability to make accurate assessments of the developmental status and educational needs of students.
• Ability to maintain records as directed by supervisor.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff.
• Ability to remotely and/or virtually perform duties and attend meetings as needed.
• Ability to exercise emotional maturity in communicating with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate considerable knowledge of technology, Microsoft Office 365, and its applications, and DocuSign.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, prioritize multi-task, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to present in front of small and large groups.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate language, tone, and English usage.
• Demonstrate good judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships, be approachable and professional.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, be self-motivated, and well-organized.
• Ability to think strategically and independently.
• Demonstrate willingness to help others and foster a cooperative and positive work environment.
• Ability to accept responsibility and constructive criticism.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various teams, groups of individuals, and families.

Requirements

• A valid license by the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
• Certification by the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Registration with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
• Previous work experience with children and working in a variety of settings.
• Upon hire, first aid, CPR, and RED certification.
• Proof that employee is free of active tuberculosis (TB) i.e., TB risk assessment, TB test, chest X-ray, etc.
• Reliable vehicle and valid drivers license.
• Salary: $61,660 - $109,627 per year.
• Work Schedule: 10 months.
• FLSA Classification: Exempt.
• Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for an extended period of time.
• Sitting is done at a desk with forward bending from the waist, leaning on the forearms, and looking down, which requires neck flexion.
• The employee is regularly required to read, speak, see, and hear well enough to communicate by telephone, electronically, and in person.
• Employee must also regularly be able to write, file, type, and operate a computer, telephone, and general office equipment.
• It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc., either occasionally or frequently depending on the day.
• May occasionally have to climb up stairs, stoop, kneel, and/or lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Normal office working conditions within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

Location: San Diego County Work Schedule: Full-Time Travel required.

Requirements Upon Hire

• Offer: AHA-approved First Aid, CPR, and RED certification.
• Proof that employee is free of active tuberculosis.
• Successful background clearance.
• Certification.
• Letter of Introduction.
• Letters of Reference (3 letters).
• Not required for internal applicants.
• Resume.

Comments and Other Information

Location: San Diego County Work Schedule: Full-Time Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, Supplemental Insurance, Matching 403b program. Travel required.

Element Education is a non-profit corporation which oversees two publicly funded charter schools. Our mission is to promote a culture of education which empowers learners to find and develop their passion and to inspire the natural desire to explore and learn through choice and flexibility. We refer to students learning styles, dispositions, modalities, interests, talents, and environment as well as the developmental stages of learning when collaborating with the student, parents, and mentors in developing a personalized learning plan unique to each student. During their educational journey, students demonstrate mastery by making progress toward expertise in areas related to their educational goals, autonomy through choice and self-directed learning activities, and a sense of purpose by engaging in meaningful learning which contributes to something larger than themselves. Reach your ELEMENT by helping children discover theirs: www.myelement.org