Santa Barbara Unified School District

Transcription

1 Santa Barbara Unified School District Item Title: Agenda Title: Background: Approval of School Occupational Therapist Proposal and Job Description Approval of School Occupational Therapist Proposal and Job Description On October 22, 2013, the Board of Education had a discussion about Occupational Therapy (OT) services now being provided by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) to Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) students. The District is proposing to provide Occupational Therapy services in-house beginning with the school year. When Districts reassume responsibility for County programs, the Education Code requires Districts to also absorb County employees. County employees are not forced to take a position with the District. Recommendation: Recommendation: To approve the Draft Job Description School Occupational Therapist and Salary Range Chart Resource Person: Margaret Christensen, PhD, assistant superintendent, Human Resources Helen Rodriguez, assistant superintendent, Special Education Fiscal Impact: Funding Source: Special Education Fiscal Impact (dollar amount, funding source) $289,940 for staff salaries and benefits. Total cost of the program in the first year is projected to be $339,940. As a comparison, the cost of the SBCEO program in was $389,401. Staff projects a savings of $49,461 for the first year, and $99,461 in subsequent years. ATTACHMENTS: Name: Cover_for_OT_Discussion_MC_Version_1.doc School_Occupational_Therapist(1).doc OT_Salary_Ranges(1).doc Summary_for_helen_ _(1).xls Description: Cover Letter for Approval of School Occupational Therapist School Occupational Therapist Job Description OT Salary Range Summary

2 Date: November 6, 2013 To: From: Re: Dr. David Cash, Superintendent Dr. Margaret Christensen and Helen Rodriguez Discussion of Occupation Therapy (OT) Services for the School Year Consent with attachments Background On October 22, 2013, the Board of Education had a discussion about Occupational Therapy (OT) services now being provided by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) to Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) students. The District is proposing to provide Occupational Therapy services in-house beginning with the school year. When Districts reassume responsibility for County programs, the Education Code requires Districts to also absorb County employees. County employees are not forced to take a position with the District. FTE Requirements Currently, SBCEO employs nine (9) OTs. In our case, we estimate at least 99 students will be served; furthermore, the Special Education Department estimates a 3.0 FTE requirement when additional planned student assessments are taken into account. OT Shortages Like many occupations in the health career arena, OTs are in high demand. According to Frederick P. Somers, executive director of the American Occupational Therapy Association, there will be a soaring demand due to an aging population, more children diagnosed with autism, and demands of healthcare reform. Further, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of OTs is expected to increase 26% between 2008 and In a study, State of the Occupational Therapy Workforce Results of a National Study, 67% reported difficulty hiring OTs. Classification, Discussion, and Next Steps OTs are classified, not certificated, employees. A Bachelor s Degree is required for licensure. The SBCEO salary scale is a five step scale ranging from $5585 per month to $6790 per month (annually, 81,480 plus benefits at the top end), equivalent to placement on our salary schedule at range 64. Given the shortage of OTs, however, it may well be in the District s best interests to consider starting these employees between Range 64 and Range 68 depending on years of service, education and training. In the Santa Barbara area, a search revealed thirty-nine (39) non public-school recruitments. According to the Department of Labor, median salary in 2010 was $72,320. Indeed Job Search website indicates an average salary for school OTs as $83,000. In our conversations with a local HR department, we learned that OTs present recruiting challenges. Because we do not have an OT position in the classified contract, both the position description and the addition of the position at the appropriate range require bargaining. Once the board approves the position description and return of the program, we will be in a position to bargain with CSEA.

3 Fiscal Impact (dollar amount, funding source) $289,940 for staff salaries and benefits. Total cost of the program in the first year is projected to be $339,940. As a comparison, the cost of the SBCEO program in was $389,401. Staff projects a savings of $49,461 for the first year, and $99,461 in subsequent years. Board Focus Goal(s) (if applicable, indicate Student Achievement, School Culture and Safety, and/or Communication) N/A Recommendation: To approve the following: 1. Draft job description School Occupational Therapist (SOT) 2. Salary Range Chart

4 Classified Job Description Title: School Occupational Therapist Salary Schedule Range: To Be Determined, Range Purpose of Position: To provide occupational therapy and services, including assessments, development of Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) goals and objectives, and therapeutic assistance to students in acquiring functional and independent life skills. Reporting: Reports to a District-level certificated administrator Employment Status: Full-time Location: Itinerant Essential Functions: Provide occupational therapy services to students by conducting assessments within the educational setting using a variety of techniques or models to determine the level of need. Develop educationally relevant goals that are part of the student s educational program. Evaluate student progress on individual IEP goals and revise goals as needed; prepare reports of occupation assessments and progress. Consult with parents and staff on occupational therapy interventions for students on site and through home programs. Attend IEP meetings as necessary to ensure that prescribed interventions support educational goals. Coordinate occupational therapy services with the student s educational team. Instruct multi-disciplinary teams in treatment approaches related to instructional support; provide inservice training and continuing professional learning to certificated teachers and resource providers. Develop best practices for therapy services. Prepare documentation of services that conforms with professional standards of state and other agencies. Design or modify adaptive equipment that enhances student ability to access learning and technology. Participate in meetings, in-service trainings, and Professional Learning Community activities. Perform related duties as assigned. Maintain punctual and consistent attendance. Working Conditions & Physical Demands: Inside work with no exposure to weather conditions and some outside work with exposure to weather conditions during outdoor activities or field trips. Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to read a variety of documents, diagnostic instruments, and to monitor students; dexterity of arms, hands and fingers to assist others with physical movement or use assistive equipment; sitting or standing for extended

5 Created Nov 2013 periods of time, bending or stooping to assist students with learning activities, kneeling, crouching and walking for extended periods of time; reaching overhead, above the shoulders or horizontally to store or retrieve materials. Requires the ability to lift, carry, push and move supplies, fixtures, wheelchairs, etc., of light to medium weight (50 pounds and under) on a regular basis, and heavy weights (75 pounds or less) without labor saving equipment on a frequent basis. May be required to assist with loading/unloading of students with severe disabilities onto vans, buses or other forms of transportation. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Familiarity with core subjects taught in K12 school districts; basic instructional strategies and techniques; general understanding of student learning styles or modalities. CA Education Code as it relates to the specific accountability of this position. Ability to relate to students individually or in some groups, and to certificated teachers, parents, and specialists; advanced interpersonal skills and sensitivity to a diverse population of students and parents. Basic knowledge of autism and other developmental disabilities; principles of applied behavior analysis and instructional methodologies. Ability to use a personal computer, tablet, or other devices and mass market software programs like MS Office to support diagnostic assessment. Perform statistical analysis of quantitative or qualitative data. Communicate effectively with students and staff; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Advanced written communication skills; produce reports or correspondence that may be of a sensitive nature and have legal implications. Read, interpret, apply and explain state, district, or local policies or procedures. Safety practices in classroom or other educational settings. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Work independently with minimal supervision or direction. Understand and follow verbal and written directions. Meet schedules, timelines, and treatment objectives. Work collaboratively with others. Education, Training and Experience: BA degree in occupational therapy from an accredited four-year college or university. Additional Requirements: Valid registration by the American Occupational Therapy Association or National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), a license to practice in California, and proof of continuing education. Valid CA driver s license may be required.

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7 Salary Ranges (Hourly Rates) Range Step A Step B Step C Step D Step E Step F Attachment 3

8 OT Service Breakdown Projected 2014/2015 OT Students Grade Direct Consult Students K FTE /2014 Regional Students w/ot Services Grade Direct Consult Students PreSchool FTE /25/13