Pediatric Occupational Therapist

THE POSITION

Under direction, Pediatric Occupational Therapists provide occupational therapy services in public schools for the treatment of children with physical disabilities; advise parents or caregivers on home treatment and care; and perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Medical Therapy Program involves the long-term treatment of children with physical disabilities under 21 years of age and, therefore, requires the therapist to continually adapt and change the therapeutic regimen to the maturational development of the client, as well as his progress. This requires knowledge of child development and growth, especially in children with physical disabilities, in order to plan an appropriate program and properly evaluate what progress in the child was due to growth and development and what was due to therapy.

Therapists in the Medical Therapy Program work under medical direction and receive supervision from a supervising therapist in terms of assignment, consultation and evaluation of work. They generally work in school settings and coordinate their activity with the school program.

For a detailed listing of the duties and essential competency requirements for this position, please see the complete job description for Pediatric Occupational Therapist. 

These are minimum professional requirements for the position of Pediatric Occupational Therapist:

Education: Completion of an accredited course in Occupational Therapy.

Certification: Eligibility for or possession of a valid certificate to practice as a licensed Occupational Therapists from the California Board of Occupational Therapy.

Completion of Criminal History Form:  A Conviction History Form (CHF) must be completed by ALL applicants for this position. DO NOT attach to your application. Return the form via mail or hand deliver to Human Resources Services Department, ATTN: Evaluation Unit, 1405 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA 94612. The form must be received within three (3) business days from the date you apply, otherwise the application will not be processed. Click here to access the CHF.  

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, equipment and the basic theory of physical rehabilitation involved in the modern practice of occupational therapy, especially as applied to children with physical disabilities.
• Anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, muscular, neural and other structures and the pathologies and injuries which result in physical disabilities.
• Equipment and methods used to evaluate and mitigate physical disabilities.
• Principles of psychology and abnormal psychology, especially as they related to the application of occupational therapy in Medical Therapy Program.
• Arts and crafts, recreational activities, physical training, therapeutic devices and other means which are used to effect rehabilitation through a program of occupational therapy.
• Growth and development of children in general and children with physical disabilities in particular.

Ability to:

• Understand and follow physician's prescriptions and other technical instructions.
• Instruct and gain the confidence and cooperation of clients and their families in the program.
• Explain the procedures used to personnel of other departments, to relatives and to others as may be required to achieve cooperation and coordination of the rehabilitation effort.
• Devise, improve and develop equipment and techniques as required.
• Keep accurate records, case histories and make complete meaningful reports.
• Instruct parents/caregivers and school personnel in home/school programs.

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Welfare Benefits

• Medical – HMO & PPO Insurance
• Dental – PPO & DHMO Insurance  
• Vision
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage) 
• County Allowance
• Health Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan – (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan

For your Work/Life Balance

• 11 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Group Auto/Home
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

**Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.