OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST(S) 2024-25

POSITION OBJECTIVE :

Provide occupational therapy students with motor disabilities in special and regular education classrooms, from preschool through grade twelve.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY :

The Bellevue School District is committed to a diverse workforce representative of our students, one that embraces and models cultural competency as an international community.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES : (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)

• Evaluate, select and schedule caseload in cooperation with the school team.
• Adapt / modify equipment / materials for students with motor disabilities.
• Complete the special education compliance paperwork process as appropriate, including evaluation reports and Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
• Participate in the referral and evaluation / reevaluation process to determine special education and related services for students that may be in need of special education (to include but not limited to supplementary aids, supports and accommodations, etc.).
• Adapt the professional role of the occupation / physical therapist to the public schools.
• Direct the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel.
• Attend or participate in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District and / or building principal, in order to accomplish the objectives of the position and for professional development.
• Work cooperatively with regular education teachers, paraeducators, and other student services staff; including consulting, providing services in general education classrooms, and inclusion support.
• Foster and manage a safe, positive learning environment through creating an environment of respect and rapport, managing student behavior and organizing a safe physical space for student learning.
• Use multiple student data elements to modify therapy or instruction and improve student learning. Design student programs, assessment and maintain accurate student records.
• Communicate and collaborate with parents and the school community through effective and ongoing communication.
• Participate in site-based decision-making processes.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS :

Reports directly to and is supervised by the Special Education Supervisor

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (positions in this class typically require) :

Required :

• Possess or qualify for immediate issuance of a valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate certificate endorsed as an Occupational Therapist.
• BS degree from an American Occupational Therapy Association approved program.
• Possess a valid license as an occupational therapist in WashingtonState.

Prefered :

Experience working in a multi-cultural environment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry) :

• Commitment to the District's vision, mission and goals. Ability to work in a collaborative or team approach.
• Knowledge of IEP process and the writing of goals / objectives and behavior intervention plans.

SKILLS (position requirements at entry) :

• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work with other members of a school or department to accomplish common goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, collaboratively and positively with students, parents, and colleagues, orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with students in multi-aged groups.
• Ability to use varied assessments, including performance tasks, portfolios, and student self-assessment.
• Attends ongoing professional development activities, such as college course work, professional associations, workshops, and in-service opportunities.
• Demonstrates a commitment to equity and exhibits a strong and positive attitude with the belief that each student can be taught and has the right and capacity to achieve personal academic excellence.

Ability to perform all duties in accordance with applicable board policies and district and legal requirements.

Ability to meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations.

Depending on specific position vacancy :

• Possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Education and / or experience working with students in targeted populations, such as disabilities ranging from mild to severe / profound.
• Ability and willingness to transfer, toilet, and feed students.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Positions in this class typically require : stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

This position may be exposed to prolonged exposure to visual display terminals as required.

Medium Work : Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, odors, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :

This is a general posting for one or more Occupational Therapist positions. Positions may be full or part-time and will be filled as specific openings are identified.

$ 69,816 to $ 130,960 annual salary (based on the negotiated collective bargaining agreement ). Certificated staff work the school year contract with placement on the District and BEA bargaining agreement salary schedule.

Placement on the schedule is determined by training and experience.

Medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life-insurance eligibility is based upon .45 FTE. Retirement provided through Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.