Occupational Therapist

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for providing evaluation, assessment and specially designed instruction to students with disabilities who have motor deficits, in a variety of settings. The Occupational Therapist will assess, design, and implement appropriate interventions to meet student needs through the Individual Education Program (IEP). These interventions and activities may include fine motor, visual perceptual, sensory processing, self-help, and feeding skills. The Occupational Therapist also assesses and recommends environmental modifications and equipment adaptations to assure accessibility for students with disabilities in their educational environment.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Travel to school sites to support students requiring occupational therapy services.
• Performs functions in the areas of general development, self-help or self-care, needs for individual and environmental adaptations, functional mobility, motor skills and musculoskeletal system, sensory motor and integrative skills, as well as pre-vocational and vocational skills.
• Functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Consults with family and staff on the appropriate implementation of educational programs as they relate to motor and sensory skill development.
• Keeps essential records ana data necessary for documentation of instruction and student progress.
• Participates in the development of student IEP/504s and attends IEP/504 meetings.
• Develops and reviews students’ annual goals and objectives.
• Monitors student program implementation in general education settings and special classes. This includes training and monitoring staff.
• Provides direct and consultative intervention in special and general education classrooms.
• Conducts initial and reevaluation assessments for students referred by the eligibility team.
• Interprets standardized assessments and/or functional performance and composes results of evaluation in a timely and user-friendly manner.
• Acts as a liaison to district staff, physicians, parents, and other agencies in implementing student services.
• Designs and develops adaptive equipment for students and adjusts the equipment for proper fit.
• Processes any paperwork required to obtain assessment permission and documents parent contacts as legally mandated by the Washington Administrative Codes (WACs).
• Acts in a professional manner when discussing student or school issues, maintaining confidentiality.
• Seeks professional development both to update knowledge and skills for practice as a school-based therapist and to fulfill continuing education requirements for maintaining state licensure.
• Promotes and practices professional growth and development.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable Washington State and federal rules and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of child development, neuromuscular function/dysfunction, sensory motor integration, kinesiology, skeletal anatomy and basic pathology related to orthopedic disabilities.
• Develop, plan, and implement an occupational therapy program for students with various disabilities.
• Individual and group occupational therapy techniques commonly used for students with special needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, administration, parents, and community health professionals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, school district staff, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and the general public.
• Explain and provide training on occupational therapy and rehabilitative procedures.
• Knowledge and skill to select, administer, and interpret those assessment instruments and procedures that will assist in determining the student’s needs.
• Knowledge and skill to plan and implement an occupational therapy treatment program to achieve explicit goals for the student.
• Knowledge of community support resources and family service agencies.
• Ability to plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy activities for students to facilitate students’ development and rehabilitation.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret pertinent government regulations, forms, plans, and reports.
• Ability to maintain clear and concise records of students’ activities and progress and to write reports.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, students, and parents.
• Ability to handle confidential matters and information in a professional manner.
• Ability to set goals and objectives for students and evaluate student growth and development.
• Ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to conduct effective, informational meetings for individuals and/or groups.
• Ability to maintain high standards of professionalism and diplomacy.
• Ability to travel to fulfill the essential functions of the position.

Qualifications:

Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificate with appropriate endorsement required.  Current Washington State license to practice occupational therapy.  Two (2) years of pediatric experience in a school setting preferred. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required. First Aid/CPR card (or willingness to obtain) required. Personal vehicle required for transportation to various sites. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: Regular travel to multiple districts within NWESD region as assigned. Work is performed in an educational setting to fulfill the essential functions of the position. The ability to sit for extended periods of time is required. Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.  Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. This position is not telecommute-eligible.

Hazards: Potential hazards are present based on the fact that the position requires the employee to drive a significant amount.  Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc. Typically, the noise level in the work environment is moderate. Employee is required to deal with a wide range of student achievement and behavior and may need to deal with distraught or difficult individuals. Potential exposure to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.