1.0 FTE Occupational Therapist - Special Programs - Regular

Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

Position Title: Occupational Therapist

Department: Student Services

Reports To: Director of Student Services

Salary Range: OSEA Professional Technical Salary Schedule, Range 

JOB DEFINITION:

Under general supervision of the Student Services department, Occupational Therapists assess and provide direct, indirect and consultative occupational therapy to students with disabilities in Bend-La Pine Schools. Services can include direct intervention to improve function as well as setting up programs and training staff and families to work toward goals in the areas of motor, sensory, perceptual, pre-vocational or activities of daily living (feeding, dressing, hygiene). Evaluation, selection or fabrication and monitoring of splints or adaptive equipment as well as assisting the funding resources and writing letters of support are services that an occupational therapist might provide.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• As part of a multidisciplinary team, consult with education staff, community resources, and related service providers as necessary to develop programs of service for impacted students
• Evaluate students to determine special education eligibility and identify sensory-motor, perceptual, developmental, and medical concerns
• Help develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students needing OT services
• Evaluate and report student progress based on established guidelines
• Monitor therapy programs using observation, data collection, and pre/post testing
• Evaluate program needs and ensure materials and equipment are maintained at optimal levels

• Develop and initiate individualized treatment plans with flexibility for changing student needs
• Implement therapy to meet IEP goals
• Provide direct occupational therapy to students individually or in small groups
• Collect and record data on therapy programs

• Train staff, parents, and educational assistants to implement motor programs and treatment plans
• Provide specific training to support students' development in self-help and pre-vocational skills
• Work collaboratively within a team setting

• Complete required reports, IEPs, and other documentation accurately and on time
• Support and maintain compliance with school and district policies
• Bill for Medicaid reimbursement when applicable, based on licensure and service scope

• Direct and supervise a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) as needed

• Successfully manage assigned responsibilities within available resources and timelines
• Fulfill other related duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee works with groups of students and on a one-on-one basis. Students include those who may be physically and mentally handicapped, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed and culturally different. Supervision and instructional responsibilities require the employee to be able to stand for up to 45 consecutive minutes and move rapidly to intervene in situations where a student’s safety is being jeopardized. The supervision may also occur during times of inclement weather. The employee needs to be able to lift materials, boxes or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Knowledge of etiology, characteristics and prognosis of major conditions
• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, practices, and intervention strategies for school-aged children
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, and special education eligibility criteria
• Understanding of sensory-motor, perceptual, developmental, and functional needs of students
• Knowledge of data collection methods, progress monitoring, and program evaluation
• Awareness of Medicaid billing requirements and licensure-specific service scope
• Understanding of roles and responsibilities in a multidisciplinary educational team
• Familiarity with school-based policies, procedures, and documentation standards
• Knowledge of supervision practices for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs)

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine special education eligibility and identify sensory-motor, perceptual, developmental, and medical concerns
• Ability to develop and implement individualized treatment plans aligned with IEP goals and student needs
• Ability to provide direct occupational therapy services to students individually and in small group settings
• Ability to collect, record, and analyze data to monitor therapy effectiveness and student progress
• Ability to train and support staff, parents, and educational assistants in implementing motor programs and treatment plans
• Ability to adapt therapy approaches based on student progress, developmental changes, or programmatic needs
• Ability to complete IEPs, progress reports, Medicaid documentation, and other required records in an accurate and timely manner
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team, including school personnel, families, and community providers
• Ability to supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) in accordance with licensure standards and best practices
• Ability to manage time, materials, and caseload demands efficiently within established timelines and resource limitations

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Valid Occupational Therapist license issued by a state licensing board
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy 
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education laws, including IDEA and IEP development
• Experience conducting evaluations to determine eligibility and therapy needs
• Commitment to culturally responsive practices and equitable service delivery

Preferred:

• Experience with school-based occupational therapy delivery
• Knowledge of Medicaid billing procedures and documentation standards for school settings
• Familiarity with the etiology, characteristics, and prognosis of major disabilities identified under IDEA
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams to support students with diverse needs
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities

Expectations of Professional Conduct 

Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are expected to adhere to all Bend-La Pine Schools policies and regulations, ensuring compliance with established procedures and expectations. They are to prioritize the well-being of students, aligning their conduct with the core values of public education and the mission, vision, and goals of Bend-La Pine Schools. This entails maintaining consistent and punctual attendance while adhering to site and/or district protocols for reporting absences.

Professionalism extends to personal presentation, with employees expected to maintain attire and grooming appropriate to their roles.While carrying out everyday tasks independently, it's essential to maintain professionalism in how you communicate, both verbally and nonverbally, with students, parents/guardians, the public, and colleagues. This includes valuing and respecting cultural and background differences. Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are entrusted with fostering a respectful working and learning environment, upholding confidentiality regarding student, staff, and district information at all times.

The statements herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of the job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work and physical requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work or otherwise to balance the workload.