Title:  Occupational Therapist 
Reports to:  Program Manager
Department:   Early Start Adams
Location:  Los Angeles, CA  90018
FLSA Status: Exempt/B
Compensation: $73,174 - $89,980 Annually
Program Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Supervisory Responsibility:  Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants

Who We Are:

ECF was founded in 1946 by a group of parents and community activists who sought to establish a day training program as an alternative to institutional care for individuals with developmental disabilities. For the last 75 years we have worked to improve the lives of children, youth and adults in the Los Angeles County area by offering a wide range of experiences and opportunities to encourage individuals to discover and develop their unique talents and abilities. The mission of ECF is to provide the highest quality services for children and adults who are challenged with developmental, learning, and emotional barriers — empowering them to reach their greatest potential.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the program manager, assist in evaluating and developing an appropriate treatment method for consumers ages birth to five years.

Essential Duties:

• Use standard developmental assessments and direct observation to determine the child’s readiness for the Infant Development Program.  Prepare child’s program goals using assessment results, testing tools and materials, and input from staff and parents.  Administer other evaluations which may include: feeding, neurological, and reflex. 
• Be responsible for individual case load at separate satellite programs of the Infant Development Program.  Act as a consulting OTR in some satellites when necessary.  Keep records on each child including medical records, daily notes, and goals. 
• Develop a curriculum based on individual plan and goals that includes instructional grouping patterns and reinforcement techniques.  Make or otherwise secure instructional materials based on client’s goals and objectives.  Modify curriculum and materials as needed to achieve client’s success.  Prepare weekly lesson and activity plans that employ a balance between established routines and novel activities.  Understand components of classroom climate and create and maintain an environment that is attractive, safe, and conducive to learning. Carry out curriculum within the structure of daily group sessions. 
• Function as a member of the trans-disciplinary team.  With other team members and parents, develop referral sources for children after three years of age.  This may include visits to other programs and schools to assess appropriateness of curriculum for child’s developmental level.  Assist child and family during the transition period.  Evaluate children who have left the program as part of follow-up study if and when required.
• Create or follow existing treatment plan for the child’s individual goals in all facets of development including: Gross Motor, Personal-Social, Fine Motor – Adaptive, Feeding Techniques, Language, Self-help skills, Behavior, and Socialization. Identify special needs of the child and request consultation regarding diet and nutrition or medical problems.
• Organize and implement a home visit program for children unable to attend group setting and a continuing program of parent education, dealing with special topics of parental concern as they arise, by site.
•  Plan individual programs, conduct case management, and evaluate progress.  Employ trans-disciplinary approach to programming, conferring with team members and specialists.  Conduct assessments, determine goals and objectives, and track due dates for same.  Maintain a telephone log of all client-related calls in each client’s file. 
• Regularly update staff and parents regarding techniques used with their child to assist with development and manage challenges.  Collaborate with staff to plan parental approaches and courses of action to deal with specific parent/child difficulties.

Other Duties

• Comply with ECF’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program.  Ensure safe use and operation of tools and/or equipment.
• Comply with ECF policies and procedures, including mandated reporting requirements.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service sessions.
• Observe regular, on-site work hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Licenses/Certifications: Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy.  California License in Occupational Therapy. Current registration with American Occupational Therapist Association.

Experience: One year as an OT working with children ages birth to five years.

 Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:

•  Ability to administer the Gesell Developmental Test.
• Ability to communicate effectively using tact and diplomacy at all times.
• Ability to take the initiative and use sound judgment when making decisions.
• Ability to maintain confidences and confidentiality.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Good organizational skills.
• Computer skills required for report writing.
• Basic knowledge of the skills of the other team members.
• May need bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish or English/Armenian

 REQUIREMENTS

•  Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, evidence of car insurance, and insurable driving record.
• Pass a DOJ background investigation.
• Provide evidence of a negative TB test initially and every three years thereafter.
• Pass a pre-employment physical.
• Obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.