Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist

Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist

DEPARTMENT: Special Services

Reports to: Building Principal & Director of Special Education

Union: OEA

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POSITION SUMMARY:

Occupational Therapists/Physical Therapist (OT/PTs) help students who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling improve their ability to perform tasks in daily routines and environments. They have knowledge of treatments used to restore function which has been impaired or lost and improve the students ability to perform tasks required for independent function. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As a member of a multidisciplinary team, to screen and evaluate children referred for occupational therapy. The main areas of evaluation include visual-perceptual skills, gross and fine motor skills, self-care, sensory integration and normal growth and development as they pertain to school and home settings.
• Establish and implement a treatment program to achieve established goals and objectives that are developed through the Individualized Education Programming.
• Relate the educational significance of occupational therapy treatments toward assisting in the student’s fullest potential and educational growth.
• Work closely with special education teachers, speech therapists, physical therapists, parents and educational assistants as part of a transdisciplinary teacher model.
• Maintain professional knowledge and expertise; attend, participate and implement district level program requirements of IDEA, and Statewide Assessment requirements.
• Consult with classroom personnel, families, medical professionals and staff and students in regular education programs to promote intergration and cooperation.
• Maintain written records and submit reports for each student.
• Communicate program rationale and procedure to staff, community and parents. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Washington State ESA Certification
• Washington State Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapist license
• Must be willing to work with students of varying ability and demonstrate effective principles of learning and teaching.
• Possess excellent classroom control and ability to motivate students
• Demonstrate ability to work well and share ideas with other teachers and ability to promote positive school relationships with students, parents, support personnel, staff, administrators, and others with the community.
• Must have empathy and demonstrated rapport with students who are environmentally and/or educationally disadvantaged.
• Must be willing to work with all levels of special education students.
• Must be able to align lesson plans and units of instruction and assessment to the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements.
• Must be willing and able to provide support to classroom teachers by assisting with accommodations and instructional modifications to meet students’ IEPs.
• Must be a student advocate.
• Demonstrate an ability to provide direct occupational therapy.
• Master’s or Doctorate in physical occupational therapy.
• Previous experience in OT in the public school setting preferred.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES: 

Valid Washington State ESA Certificate to function as an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA is desirable. Valid WA State driver’s license and appropriate insurance required. Must maintain as current any certification or license listed herein and held at hire date.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING: That which is required to be effective in the position and to maintain knowledge as current

CLEARANCES: Criminal Justice fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Physically able to occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
2. Physical ability to walk, stand, stoop, bend, crawl, lift, reach, pull and climb as required to satisfactory perform required duties.
3. Ability to focus (adjust eye to bring an object into sharp focus), clear vision at twenty (20) inches or less, and clear vision at twenty (20) feet or more.
4. Must be able to work safely varying hot and cold (weather) environments.
5. Frequent standing, walking, lifting and bending.

 
BARGAINING UNIT: Othello Education Association (OEA)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Starting Date: 2026-2027 School Year (182 total contracted days)
Salary: $63,912 - $122,620 annual salary. Based on education and experience Per OEA CBA - 2026-2027 Salary Schedule 
Retirement: Pension through Washington State Department of Retirement Systems

Benefits: Follow this link which will include all available benefits for this position

The Othello School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

For information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint, please reach out to the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator: Sandra Villarreal, 1025 S. 1st Ave, (509)488-2659, svillarreal@othelloschools.org; and/or  504/ADA Coordinator: Heidi Wagner, 1025 S 1st Ave, (509) 488-2659, hwagner@othelloschools.org.

Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR): https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html  

El Distrito Escolar de Othello no discrimina en ningún programa o actividad por motivos de sexo, raza, credo, religión, color, origen nacional, edad, condición de veterano o militar, orientación sexual, expresión o identidad de género, discapacidad o el uso de un perro guía entrenado o un animal de servicio y brinda igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos de jóvenes designados. Los siguientes empleados han sido designados para manejar preguntas y quejas de presunta discriminación:

Para obtener información sobre las políticas de no discriminación y discriminación por sexo y los procedimientos de quejas, y cómo informar una inquietud o queja, comuníquese con la Coordinadora de Cumplimiento de Derechos Civiles/Coordinadora del Título IX: Sandra Villarreal, 1025 S. 1st Ave, (509) 488-2659, svillarreal@othelloschools.org; y/o Coordinadora 504/ADA: Heidi Wagner, 1025 S. 1st Ave, (509) 488-2659, hwagner@othelloschools.org.

Las consultas sobre el Título IX también pueden dirigirse al Departamento de Educación de los EE. UU., Oficina de Derechos Civiles (OCR): https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html

Salary : $63,912 - $122,620