Occupational Therapist

An opportunity to Inspire, Challenge, and Empower!  

JOB SUMMARY:

The Occupational Therapists support Shelton School District's Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plans through individualized occupational or physical therapy assessment and direct services for students. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Eligible for or currently holds a Washington State Certificate as an Educational Staff Associate with an endorsement as an Occupational or Physical therapist.
• Ability to pass a Federal Criminal Background Check.
• Ability to incorporate lightheartedness, humor, and fun into the workplace.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to special needs students and their families.
• Training and experience in assessment, evaluation, and consultation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively in a team.
• Knowledge in all phases of the special education process, procedures, and handicapping conditions. 
• Ability to plan, organize and implement all phases of special education identification.
• Ability to utilize effective communication including active listening, two-way communication, and using the appropriate communication channel.
• Ability to listen and professionally mediate toward solutions.
• Ability to provide innovative and responsible leadership to buildings and districts.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and tact in all aspects of employment.
• Ability to organize activities, written work, and peers for teaming.
• Ability to use various assessment tools for various ages and diagnostic investigations.
• Ability to drive and work in different locations daily.
• Ability to remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations.
• Ability to follow and give directions.
• Ability to set priorities.
• Ability to work with several office staff and supervisors with ease.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to participate in conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs as a member of the multi-disciplinary team providing and interpreting assessment information, summarizing educational significance of the student's disability, recommends methods for remediation and plans for an intervention or therapy program as an aid to school placement.
• Develops and implements IEP goals based on the assessment findings and relating them to the educational process.
• Prescribes for student's progress in behavioral terms.
• Provides therapy to students with disabilities or disorders to restore function and maximize performance for educational and instructional access limits of student physical status and special education guidelines.
• Provides consultative and advisory services to the family, educational staff, health care agencies, and interested community organizations, while maintaining compliance with FERPA and HIPAA.
• Maintains written systematic and objective records of the student's therapy program and progress.
• Records and submits timely signed and dated reports for each student assessed and served.
• Updates individual short-term objectives and long-term goals as indicated by formal and informal assessment.
• Maintains effective communication with individual staff members, families, school personnel, and health care agencies in the service area to track progress and changes in the student's development.
• Manages equipment and supplies and maintains it as necessary for functional operation.
• Provides two-way communication with health care providers and other agencies and shares their recommendations with staff, administrators, and the IEP team.
• Seeks out improved technology and equipment for the ease of functioning for each student so served.
• Updates their own knowledge and evaluates their own practices and applies it toward the development of a continually evolving and quality OT/PT department.
• Provides workshop opportunities for staff and community to enhance the general knowledge of sensory and motor development in children.
• Plans activities and manages day-to-day functions of motor skills aide and COTA as needed.
• Trains and monitors the activities of other instructional assistants in their duties with physically involved special education students.
• Attends trainings and meetings as appropriate or required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education or designee.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SCHEDULE: 1.0 FTE (180 days per school year plus trainings and meetings, 7 hours per day).

LOCATIONS: Olympic Middle School (5th-6th grade), Oakland Bay Junior High School (7th-8th grade), and Shelton High School (9th-12th grade). Location(s) subject to change based on program and student need.

SALARY: $62,585 - $113,364 annually, depending on experience and education.

BENEFITS: 12 sick leave days of which 6 can be used for personal leave each school year; 5 days bereavement leave per school year; health insurance benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS); other fringe benefits as allowed under the Shelton Education Association (SEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement.