Certified ESA Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy services to eligible students whose disabilities impact their ability to access and benefit from their educational program. The Occupational Therapist evaluates students develops and implements occupational therapy services as part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) collaborates with educational teams and families and supports students in developing the functional skills necessary to participate successfully in school activities.

The Occupational Therapist serves as a member of multidisciplinary teams provides consultation to District staff and supports compliance with federal and state special education requirements.

• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and reevaluations to determine students educational needs and eligibility for related services.
• Interpret assessment results and prepare written evaluation reports that support educational planning and eligibility decisions.
• Develop measurable occupational therapy goals objectives accommodations and service recommendations for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services to eligible students in accordance with their IEPs.
• Monitor student progress collect data and prepare progress reports consistent with District and state requirements.
• Collaborate with teachers administrators paraeducators related service providers parents and outside agencies to support student success.
• Recommend adaptive equipment assistive technology environmental modifications and classroom strategies that improve student access and participation.
• Participate as an active member of multidisciplinary evaluation teams eligibility meetings IEP meetings transition planning and other student support meetings.
• Supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) when assigned in accordance with Washington State licensing requirements and professional standards.
• Maintain accurate records service logs Medicaid billing documentation (if applicable) evaluation reports and other required documentation.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA Section 504 FERPA Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and District policies and procedures.
• Provide training and consultation to school staff regarding student needs adaptive strategies sensory supports equipment and occupational therapy best practices.
• Maintain therapy equipment assessment materials and inventories.
• Participate in professional development District training staff meetings and other activities required of certificated staff.
• Maintain appropriate professional licensure and certification.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles evaluation methods intervention strategies and pediatric development.
• Knowledge of IDEA Section 504 Washington Administrative Code and special education processes.
• Knowledge of child development sensory integration fine motor development visual motor skills self-care skills and adaptive equipment.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive evaluations and interpret assessment results.
• Ability to develop and implement individualized occupational therapy interventions within educational settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams families and community providers.
• Ability to supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants in accordance with professional practice standards.
• Strong oral written organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records meet timelines and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students staff families and community partners.

• Masters or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Current Washington State Occupational Therapist license in good standing.
• Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate or eligibility to obtain one if required by Washington State and District requirements.
• Experience working with children or students with disabilities is preferred.
• Valid Washington State drivers license.

Work is performed in classrooms therapy rooms schools and other educational settings. The position requires regular travel between District buildings and may involve standing walking bending kneeling reaching lifting positioning and assisting students with mobility adaptive equipment and activities of daily living. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Successful completion of a Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal background check.
• Must meet all state certification licensure and District employment requirements.

• Salary and work year as established by the Ellensburg Education Association (EEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Benefits as provided by District policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Acknowledgment

• This Job description is intended to provide an overview of the requirements of the position. As such it is not necessarily all-inclusive and the job may require other essential and/or nonessential functions tasks duties or responsibilities not listed herein. The District reserves the right to add modify or exclude any essential or nonessential requirement at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description nor by the completion of any requirement of the job by the employee is intended to create a contract of employment of any type.
• Applicants interested must follow the application procedurescarefully. Consideration will only be given to fully completed application files.
• Minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance benefits for employees working 630 hours or more per year include medical dental vision life and long-term disability plans through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).
• School employees Washington State Health Care Authority
• Retirement benefits provided through the WA State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• State of Washington: Department of Retirement Systems
• Full time positions are 7 hours per day for 180 days - Less than 1.0 full time salary pro-rated

• 180 Day Employees - Paid leave benefits to include 12 days of sick leave and two personal leave days
• Salary based on the current EEA salary schedule

Applicants of diverse backgrounds encouraged to apply

Ellensburg School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex race ethnicity color religion creed national origin sexual orientation gender identity gender expression homelessness immigration or citizenship status disability neurodivergence the use of a trained dog guide or service animal age and honorably discharged veteran or military status 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: Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator Rhonda Schmidt ; Section 504/ADA Coordinator Lori Gylling . Address for both coordinators: 1300 East Third Avenue Ellensburg WA 98926.

Required Experience:

IC