Occupational Therapist Full-time Standard

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Summary Description

Under general direction of the Special Education Administrator, the Itinerant Occupational Therapist (OT) performs screenings and evaluations of fine motor and sensory supports for children (3-21), provides related services to support the educational programs of students who qualify for special education services to enable them to meet their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives. The Occupational Therapist is expected to recommend services, environmental adaptations and /or modifications as well as the staff training needed to manage students' fine motor and sensory needs to support their educational programs. Consultation and collaboration with assigned district educational personnel is an essential component of the occupational therapist's responsibilities. Extensive travel to school sites throughout Washoe County School District.

Exemplary Duties/Responsibilities

• Evaluate and assess student's needs, performance, and abilities with accuracy.
• Prepare comprehensive reports including: summary and interpretation of evaluation results; recommendation for eligibility for occupational therapy services according to the Special Education Handbook; recommended activities for student progress; and suggested IEP goals and objectives, where appropriate.
• Develop therapeutic programs, provide support, and train district staff to assist students in achieving their IEP goals and objectives.
• Provide recommendations, interventions, and technical assistance to district staff based on interpretations of assessment findings.
• Support district staff with knowledge of Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies related to the special education program.
• Seek out and participate in professional growth opportunities.
• Coordinate with districts to arrange for site visits, including making travel arrangements and housing accommodations as needed.
• Submit required paperwork (Travel Authorizations, Travel Expense Reports, Report of Services, Student Reports, Time Sheets, etc.) within the expected timeline.
• Communicate regularly with Special Education Program Administrator and Special Education Administrative Assistant.
• Represent WCSD professionally in local communities.
• Assist in the promotion of and recruitment for WCSD programs.
• Travel is required to perform job duties.
  
  

Employment Standards

Education/Experience: Any combination of education that would provide the required knowledge and skills in qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

• Education: Master's Degree in occupational therapy or related field from an accredited university.
• Certification/registration by NBCOT;
  
  

AND

• At least one-year pediatric experience preferred but not required.
  
  

Knowledge of: Knowledge of areas of practice specific to pediatrics including familiarity with IDEA 2004 and current legal mandates, including Federal and State law, compliance issues, and FERPA confidentiality requirements. Pediatric and school therapist experience; preferred; Ability to plan, coordinate and provide training to school staff and parents as needed in a collaborative, consultant role; Experience working with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds.

Skill at: Skill in selecting and providing a wide range of intervention strategies and monitoring their effectiveness. Skill in effective oral and written communication. Physical ability to execute job responsibilities which may include: extensive travel including the adaptability in being able to adjust to a variety of lodging and travel circumstances; carrying test and personal equipment on and off small planes (up to 50lbs.); and transferring and/or lifting equipment.

Licenses/Certificates: Possession of or ability to obtain, a valid State of Nevada driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the District.

THIS JOB SPECIFICAION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.

The Washoe County School District prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and/or discrimination based on an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veterans or military status, marital status, political affiliation, or the presence of any sensory, physical or mental disability in any of its educational programs/activities, employment or employment opportunities, or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The District prohibits discrimination against any youth group listed in Title 36, as a patriotic society, (i.e. Boy Scouts of America) from access to public school facilities use. The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Internal Job Number 2026-27-C263044

Salary

Certified School Based Therapy Services Salary Schedule

Salaries are subject to adjustment and may increase and decrease each fiscal year. New employees hired by Washoe County School District are normally placed on the entry step of the grade of the position. View the salary schedules here.

Additional Job Information

This position is for the 2025/26 school year with an anticipated contract start date after July, 1st 2025.

Benefit packages are available for all employees, eligible employees who are regularly scheduled to work 27.5 hours per week or more receive full benefits of the District which include but are not limited to;

• No waiting period on Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Employees may select an insurance plan wherein WCSD contributes 100% of insurance premiums.
• Sick Leave, Holiday Pay and Vacation Pay
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• Contribution options will be explained in detail during the New Employee Orientation.
• Salary Increases
• Longevity Bonuses
• Guidance Resources
• And More - Visit our Benefits page for more information.
  

Please be advised health insurance premiums are paid by employees at a prorated percent for those working less than full time.

New employees will be fingerprinted upon hire and will have $58.50 deducted from their first paycheck to help defray the cost of fingerprinting. Fingerprint fees are subject to change.

Any applicant who would like to request a reasonable accommodation in any step of the selection process should contact Human Resources at (775) 348-0321 or email careers@washoeschools.net