Description Tacoma Public Schools Expected Start Date: September 1, 2024
FTE: 1.0
Hours per day: 7.5
Salary Level: Based on preparation level and experience per TEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Range is $68,534 -$136,959
Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.
Additional Information: This position may be eligible for Hard-to-Fill bonus of $1,000 to be paid in accordance with the TEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Examples Of DutiesThis position serves special education students with challenges that interfere with their ability to function within the educational setting, requiring assessment and support of students with needs in the areas of sensory motor, fine motor, perceptual motor, and functional life skills. The position focuses on curriculum and collaboration with the educational team for specific skill development, modifications, and adaptations that promote student participation and independence within the school environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 1. Reviews referrals received from parents, medical personnel, school district or other public agency personnel, community agencies, and civil authorities through District screening procedures and by other interested persons; evaluates students through interviews, skilled observations and/or testing; supervises students in lunchroom, in hallways, on school grounds, and in any program held at the school under School District sanction.
2. Determines performance criteria in the areas of sensory motor, fine motor, perceptual motor, and functional life skills and determines progress through criteria measures; determines equipment, environment, and technology needed for OT treatment; modifies and makes accommodations to address fine motor, sensory motor, perceptual motor, and functional life skill needs in the educational setting.
3. Focuses OT program on educational needs of students and determines the frequency and duration of therapy, type of therapy, and support for treatment techniques from colleagues; develops OT treatment programs in sensory motor, perceptual motor, and fine motor skills as it pertains to the educational setting in the areas of life skills, assistive technology, and vocational skills.
4. Provides direct occupational therapy treatments to a wide variety of students to facilitate and develop sensory motor, fine motor, perceptual motor, and functional life skills.
5. Evaluates the effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit; uses performance criteria to determine discharge through interviews, skilled observations, and/or testing.
6. Maintains up-to-date cumulative occupational therapy records and other records as required by the District and state and federal law; follows all relevant state and federal regulations for special education.
OTHER JOB DUTIES 1. Maintains and updates knowledge and skill required for success in the position by participating in professional development activities as needed or as assigned.
2. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
3. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.
CONDITIONSThe daily activities of the occupational therapist are performed in a school setting. There is a high level of interaction with students. The work requires getting up and down off the floor, physically moving and guiding student motor movements, and lifting students up and down from chairs and from the floor, and also requires the moving of equipment. Frequent interruptions occur, and visual and mental concentration on details and precision is required. The occupational therapist is required to travel to different sites and may be exposed to infectious diseases; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.
Minimum QualificationsEducation and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university; Master’s degree, preferred; experience as an occupational therapist in a public-school setting, preferred; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.
Licenses/Special Requirements Valid Washington State driver’s license.
Current Washington State occupational therapist license.
Valid Washington State ESA occupational therapist certificate.
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of occupational therapy.
K nowledge of state and federal laws governing the provision of occupational therapy services within public schools.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations and procedures governing special education.
Ability to interpret evaluation for relevance of need for educationally based occupational therapy intervention.
Ability to document evaluation results and develop goals and short-term objectives.
Ability to lift (40-50 pounds), transfer, carry, and position students.
Ability to move and position large heavy equipment (such as swings) at building sites.
Ability to assist students on and off sensory motor equipment. Ability to transport students to and from their classrooms.
Ability to prepare accurate, detailed records.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socioeconomic setting.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.
Ability to work as a team member.
Supplemental InformationThis job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Tacoma Public Schools 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:
- Civil Rights Coordinator: Renee Trueblood, 25-57-252, civilrights@tacoma.k2.wa.us
- Title IX Coordinator, Elementary: Christa Erolin, 25-57-8, cerolin@tacoma.k2.wa.us
- Title IX Coordinator, Secondary: Wayne Greer, 25-57-9, wgreer@tacoma.k2.wa.us
- 504 Coordinator, Elementary: Jennifer Herbold, 25-57-096, jherbol@tacoma.k2.wa.us
- 504 Coordinator, Secondary: Megan Nelson, 25-57-00, mnelson@tacoma.k2.wa.us
Mailing address: P.O. Box 57, Tacoma, WA 9840-57.
Closing Date/Time: 8/4/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
