High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Occupational Therapist 40 hours per week, M-F, 189 days per yearRayPosition start date: August 26, 2024Location: Regional Benefits include family insurance package, sick leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement program, generous PERS contributions. Definition Under general supervision, the OT assesses and provides consultative, indirect, and direct occupational therapy services for identified students in seven counties served by High Desert ESD. Occupational therapy services include setting up programs and training staff to work toward the student’s goals for educational access and participation. The occupational therapist evaluates, selects and monitors use of adaptive equipment. Supervision of therapy assistants may be part of the occupational therapist’s duties. Qualifications Possess a valid Oregon Occupational Therapy license. Experience as a therapist with demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with students, educational staff, families, and other stakeholders. Experience with pediatric occupational therapy strategy is preferred. Experience working with students with both behavioral and physical needs is preferred. The ability to perform significant reaching, bending, stooping, crouching and lifting up to 50 pounds is expected. Must have access to reliable transportation, and consistent attendance is required. Applicants must have successful experience in working with a variety of families and communities, and/or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to equity and strengthening engagement of a diverse community. Classification LicensedReports To Director of Special Education or designee Performance ResponsibilitiesDemonstrate knowledge of:Role of an OT in the educational setting and the ability to explain that role to othersRole of an OT in working with students with a variety of needs, including behavioral, cognitive, and physical needsEvaluation methods, including participation and strengths based assessmentVariety of intervention strategies, including direct and indirect interventions, as well as coaching and consultation strategiesCulturally responsive practiceTrauma-informed and resiliency-focused practiceRecent research developments Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, consult with education staff, and direct a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), if necessaryEvaluate students to determine special education eligibilityEvaluate student needs and progress, using a strengths based approachDevelop appropriate intervention strategiesSupport and maintain school and district policiesSuccessfully plan and complete assigned responsibilities within identified resources and timelinesDemonstrate excellent communication skills with students and teamInitiate program plan, allowing flexibility to meet the changing needs of a childProvide specific training to educational staffEvaluate and report student progressInitiate and maintain communication with parents, teachers and other professionalsParticipate in professional development activitiesDecide on program needs and maintain materials and equipment Provide input into an Individual Educational Program (IEP) for each student participate in IEP meetingsImplement consultation and therapy to meet IEP goalsCollect and record data on student progressComplete required reports and other documentation promptly and in an acceptable mannerCommunicate appropriately and regularly through use of emailRespect and maintain confidential information in all situationsFulfill other related duties as assigned Terms of Employment A contract renewable annually by the Board of Directors, under the terms and conditions of the statutes and administrative rules of the State of Oregon, conditioned upon successful evaluations and the employee’s maintenance of a current OT license. Salary and benefits are established by policy and collective bargaining agreement.