DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is skilled, sub-professional work providing assistance to higher level professionals in the delivery of occupational therapy services and programs in a school district. Responsibilities include the application of occupational therapy treatment to multi-handicapped students, observing and reporting on student progress.  Student progress and observations are reported to the Occupational Therapist who modifies the treatment to promote maximum rehabilitative and restorative measures. Work is performed under direct supervision of an Occupational Therapist. Supervision of others is not responsibility of this position. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Carries out occupational therapy procedures by working with students individually or in groups to provide treatment of a disability and training in the activities of daily living;
• Confers with an Occupational Therapist regarding all facets of student care;
• Provides training in self-care activities to students and uses varied media to improve their physical or mental functioning;
• Assists in the initial and annual screenings, evaluations, and consultations of students for students referred to the program;
• Assists in the development of treatment protocols and student goals;
• Assists in the selection of appropriate activities for each student;
• Prepares and sets up occupational therapy treatment apparatus;
• Participates with other personnel in the formulation of the students' total health care plan;
• Observes, records and reports the reactions of students to occupational therapy treatment and programs;
• Records notes on each student's progress in occupational therapy activities;
• Attends staff meetings;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Good knowledge of the methods, procedures and objectives of occupational therapy, especially as they apply to a pediatric caseload; good knowledge of the principles, objectives and techniques of occupational therapy treatment; working knowledge of human anatomy, kinesiology and physiology as they relate to the evaluation and treatment of patients receiving occupational therapy; ability to relate sympathetically to a potentially difficult client population; working knowledge of basic physical and recreational activities; ability to observe, record and report responses to treatment; ability to instruct and direct students in their daily activities; ability to work well with treatment team members; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; organizational ability; enthusiasm; initiative; resourcefulness; patience; good judgment; manual dexterity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either

1. Completion of a two (2) year associate degree program for occupational therapy assistants registered as licensure-qualifying by New York State or, if outside New York State, accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA); or
2. Completion of a post-secondary program in occupational therapy of at least two (2) years duration which is satisfactory to the New York State Education Department.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Certification and current registration by the New York State Education Department as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, at time of application, time of appointment, and throughout employment in this title.

2. Certain assignments made to employees in this class will require access to transportation to meet fieldwork requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS:

In accordance with the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) legislation, Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2000, and by the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, candidates for appointment in school districts must obtain clearance for employment from the State Education Department prior to employment based upon a fingerprint and criminal history background check.

2/01; 1/09; 4/21

Competitive Class