Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Classification:  Professional Support Staff, Exempt

Qualifications:

Professional License  

Such alternatives to the above qualifications may be appropriate to the scope of the position, such as eligibility for professional licensure

Reports to (Daily):  Director of Special Education

Position Overview:  The School District of Washington is seeking an Occupational Therapist responsible for planning and providing related services in accordance with the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Ideal candidates demonstrate the ability to form safe relationships with students, effective oral and written communication skills, high level organizational skills, and the ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups. This position has a key role in fostering a positive, productive, and safe environment for students.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Encourage student learning, growth, and development by supporting the development of assigned students through appropriately designed and delivered instructional activities.
2. Implement resources by analyzing, developing, and delivering instructional goals and differentiated instructional strategies to assigned student/student groups as aligned with IEPs (Individualized Educational Programs) and/or 504 plans.
3. Utilize effective communication with students by demonstrating appropriate communication sensitivity to student diversity.  This may include instructional efforts with various student and/or adult populations to bring awareness, understanding, and develop a positive school culture.
4. Utilize data from multiple sources to analyze progress, modify instruction, and monitor effectiveness of instructional efforts.
5. Communicate student progress to multiple professionals, parents, and students as appropriate for the purpose of improving learning and maintaining records.
6. Observe, promote, and support professional development activities, responsibilities, and ethical practices related to the scope of this position.
7. Cooperate in partnerships and collaborative efforts to support student learning and progress toward postsecondary outcomes.
8. Regular and reliable attendance is necessary in order to perform the functions of this position.  
9. Perform associated roles as required for building operations and to respond in the event of an emergency. 
10. Perform other related duties as assigned or required for District operations.

Other Related Responsibilities:

1. Maintains appropriate student records and timelines related to the implementation of IDEA, Section 504, and other required student procedures. 
2. Attend all conferences and workshops necessary to maintain and enhance knowledge in areas of general responsibility.
3. Maintains confidential nature of all school related material.
4. Attend events outside of the regular school day designed to bring the public into the school, serve on a committee, plan appropriate instruction, and attend required meetings associated with the role of “teacher”.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:  Teacher school year as posted (183 days) is utilized with professional support staff positions.  This includes applicable health and life insurance, annual paid leave award, and defined pension benefit (PEERS). Starting salary established by the Board of Education as posted aligned to the degree column.  A limit of step 11 as the entry point on the salary schedule is defined by District policy.   

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually by the supervisor.  

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND VISUAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. Additionally, the employee may occasionally be required to push or lift up to 50 lbs as necessary for the safety and well-being of others. Lastly, this job requires the employee to have the vision ability to read handwritten or typed materials, and meet multiple demands from several people while interacting with other staff and the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

JOB DUTIES: The most significant duties of this position have been included in this job description. However, this job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties performed. In addition, the District may modify this position as needed to reflect the assignment of additional or supplemental duties assigned. Employees are expected to perform all assigned duties regardless of whether such duties appear in this job description.

Revised: December, 2024