Placer County

To plan and perform professional occupational therapy for children who are neurologically and/or orthopedically disabled due to cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, amputations, arthritis, or similar conditions.

Occupational Therapist I: This is the entry level class in the Occupational Therapist series. This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgement on matters allocated to the journey level. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Employees work under general supervision while learning job tasks.

Occupational Therapist II: This is the full journey level class within the Occupational Therapist series.  This class is distinguished from the Occupational Therapist I by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

Occupational Therapist I
Receives general supervision from the Supervising Physical/Occupational Therapist. 

Occupational Therapist II
Receives direction from the Supervising Physical/Occupational Therapist. 

Occupational Therapist I

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of occupational therapy.
• Theory of mental and physical rehabilitation.
• Skeletal anatomy and kinesiology.
• Basic pathology and neurology involved in cerebral palsy and other disabling conditions such as myelomeningocele, amputations and arthritis, relative to the objectives of occupational therapy.
• Principles of growth and development of children.
• Physical and psychological problems of physically disabled children and their families.
• Design, use, and care of special equipment and toys including those suitable for construction at home.
• English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar; arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures; teach and explain occupational therapy to children, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time while preparing reports; continuously walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist, stoop, crouch, crawl, balance, feel, and reach while assisting patients in moving to and from therapy area and in providing therapy and instructional activities. Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate; see with sufficient visual acuity to observe patient's physical skills; hear with sufficient acuity to be aware of a patient’s audible responses to treatment and ensure equipment is functioning properly; lift very heavy weight.
• Teach disabled children the fundamentals of self-care and other suitable activities.
• Develop positioning programs for the severely handicapped.
• Prepare reports and keep records of case histories.
• Use equipment and supplies utilized in occupational therapy; evaluate and/or design special equipment; construct simple hand splints.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Obtain information through interviews; deal fairly and courteously with the public; impart instructional information to patients, family, caregivers, and teachers.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
• Use general office machines and technology.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Occupational Therapist II

In addition to the qualifications for Occupational Therapist I:

Knowledge of:

• Rules and regulations for operating under California Children's Services Program.
• Policies and procedures of the County and Health and Human Services Department, especially as related to the Children's Occupational Therapy Program. 

Ability to:

• Independently perform occupational therapy assessment, provide therapy, and instruct clients, caregivers, and families on in home exercise programs.