Occupational Therapist

Are you looking to make a difference in the life of an individual living with autism?

Are you looking for a place where you can work with awesome students facing some challenges? Do you have a passion for kids with special needs? Yes? Then we want you on our team! PACE is a non-profit agency serving students and clients with autism.

• The Occupational Therapist (OT) is primarily responsible for providing specialized services to students in the PACE Preschool who have Individualized Education Plan (IEP) requirements as well as children in the Faces ABA Clinic for OT support.

Primary Responsibilities:

-Implements therapeutic activities to address deficits in the area/s of fine motor, visual motor, sensory motor, and visual perceptual as indicated on the IEP (504 plan).

-Administers, interprets, and writes up assessments in the areas of fine motor, visual motor, sensory motor and visual perceptual how these areas affect a student's academic performance.

-Instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons for the purpose of supporting the student's IEP (or 504) plan.

-Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans (IEP, 504) for services and/or making recommendations.

-Participates in meetings, processes, etc. for the purpose of ensuring that state standards and/or federal mandates are achieved (IEP or 504 process).

-Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. progress reports, daily treatment notes, student activities, correspondence, IEP's, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.

-Presents information (e.g. student performance data, and clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.

-Assesses/recommends need for adaptive equipment and/or environmental modifications as needed for successful implementation of a student's functional goals.

-Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing a student's functional goals.

Essential Functions

The essential functions and duties of the Occupational Therapist are as follows:

• Direct Service – Provide one-on-one interactions as well as small group services which may involve elements of sensory regulation including sensory processing, proprioceptive, vestibular and tactile work in order to produce an adaptive response to increase functioning in the classroom.
• Assessments – Conduct routine and specialized assessments of students on the case load to ensure that they are receiving the appropriate level of support and that their advancement is being tracked accordingly.
• IEP - As needed, provide timely quarterly information and annual IEP documentation which includes triennial assessments when necessary. This includes the ongoing tracking of progress on goals and the presentation of the IEP information at the official meeting.

Knowledge, Skill and Experience

The candidate must possess the following minimum requirements for consideration as a certified Occupational Therapist

• Education – Masters in Occupational Therapy
• Certifications – A valid certification from the California Board of Occupational Therapy as an Occupational Therapist.
• Experience – Two or more years working in the field with at least 1 year of direct experience with individuals in special education affected by severe Autism or similar developmental disability.
• Communication Skills -- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including speaking, writing, listening, motivating, inspiring, collaborating, delegating. Self-starter and team player.
• Organizational Skills -- Strong organizational skills with the ability to track and follow-up with multiple, simultaneous projects.
• Technical Skills Strong understanding of relevant methodologies and practices for providing direct service education to individuals with Autism or similar developmental disabilities which includes methods for behavioral management.

Physical Requirements:

• Pushing, Pulling and Lifting – The individual must be able to lift and or push at least 45lbs. with assistance in order to carry necessary presentation materials or specialized equipment to external sites on occasion.
• Student Behavior Management – The OT must be able to properly demonstrate and implement behavior management techniques when needed. This training is provided to all staff.
• Office Work – This position requires that the OT be able to conduct a variety of office work including typing on a computer.

Personal Requirements:

• Must have the ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Must enjoy working with and relating to people effectively.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.