Job Description

About PLN

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños (PLN) partners with more than 10,000 children, youth, and families each year through integrated education, wellness supports and advocacy, addressing individual and systemic barriers to create pathways to success. In addition to operating early education centers, charter elementary and middle schools, youth workforce development sites and family services, PLN is the only children’s mental health provider in the Skid Row neighborhood. PLN's community transformation work brings together community members, community-based organizations, city and county agencies, elected officials, and businesses to tackle issues that impact PLN families. Ninety-three percent of families served by PLN live in areas with the highest levels of food insecurity and homelessness in L.A. County.

Position Overview

The Occupational Therapy Level I Fieldwork Student participates in a supervised educational placement designed to introduce the student to occupational therapy practice, service delivery, and approaches that support individuals' participation in meaningful daily activities. Through observation, guided participation, and collaboration with occupational therapy professionals and interdisciplinary team members, the student develops an understanding of client-centered care, professional communication, documentation, ethical practice, and the role of occupational therapy in promoting functional participation and independence.

Under the direction and supervision of the designated fieldwork educator, the student participates in learning activities aligned with academic program requirements and established fieldwork objectives. The student observes occupational therapy services, engages in approved educational activities, maintains confidentiality, follows organizational policies and safety procedures, and incorporates feedback to support professional growth. The student does not independently evaluate clients, establish treatment plans, or provide occupational therapy services beyond the scope authorized by the fieldwork educator and applicable requirements.

Duties

• Observes occupational therapy services, interventions, and professional practices to develop an understanding of client-centered care, functional participation, and the role of occupational therapy in supporting daily activities and independence.
• Participates in approved educational activities, demonstrations, and assigned tasks under the direction of the fieldwork educator, following established learning objectives, safety procedures, and supervision requirements.
• Communicates professionally and respectfully with the fieldwork educator, staff, individuals receiving services, and interdisciplinary team members while demonstrating cultural humility and respect for individual differences.
• Observes documentation practices, complete assigned educational exercises, protect confidential information, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and comply with organizational policies and applicable ethical and safety requirements.
• Establishes and reviews learning objectives, participates in supervisory discussions and feedback sessions, reflects on fieldwork experiences, and applies feedback to strengthen knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• Currently pursuing an Occupational Therapy Masters or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Basic understanding of occupational therapy concepts, meaningful daily activities, functional participation, client-centered care, and professional ethics acquired through the student's academic program.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully, listens actively, asks relevant questions, collaborates with others, and demonstrates empathy, cultural humility, and respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Observes professional practices, recognizes relevant details, connects academic learning to fieldwork experiences, and reflects on observations under the guidance of the fieldwork educator.
• Follows instructions, prepares for assigned activities, manages learning tasks, completes required assignments within established timelines, maintains confidentiality, and adheres to organizational policies and professional boundaries.
• Learns through observation and guided participation, receives and applies constructive feedback, recognizes personal limitations, seeks assistance when needed, and demonstrates curiosity, adaptability, initiative, and commitment to continuous learning.

Physical Requirements

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.
• Must be able to speak and hear well.
• Good vision is imperative.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• TB test clearance to be renewed every two years.
• Verification of Immunizations required by the California Department of Health (Pertussis, Measles and Influenza).

This job description does not encompass all essential functions and responsibilities. Para Los Niños reserves the right to modify or add to the typical duties of a position at any time.

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff

Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.