2026-27 - 1.0 FTE Occupational Therapist - Special Education
$100,665–$135,960 year
On-siteLacey, Washington, United States
Job Summary
Lead the occupational therapy program by screening, evaluating, and planning therapeutic interventions for students with disabilities who struggle with daily life activities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized education plans, conduct standardized assessments, and synthesize results into comprehensive reports guiding evidence-based service delivery. Adapt school environments and assistive technologies to facilitate student participation while educating families and staff on health maintenance and safety. Independently prioritize tasks, manage therapeutic equipment inventory, and provide legal supervision to support personnel. Maintain clinical records for accountability and review services for quality improvement. Work within a diverse community, demonstrating commitment to culturally responsive practices and community engagement.
Required Qualifications
- Successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities
- Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) School Occupational Therapist certificate
- Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university
- Ability to understand procedures and function in a school system with regard to the special part health services play in the overall education of the student
- Knowledge and appreciation of the influence of disabilities, socio-cultural and socioeconomic factors on student's ability to participate in occupations
- Ability to work cooperatively with students and their parents, district staff, and community members who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse
- Ability to effectively communicate with parents, students, and staff verbally and in writing
- Commitment to collaboration and teaming and effectiveness in working within a professional learning community
- Evidence of continuous professional learning and a commitment to participate in professional growth opportunities and self reflection on professional practice
- Must regularly lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds or more
- Must occasionally lift, restrain, or move up to 100 pounds
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
- Must be able to sit, lift, carry, move about, hear and speak and be visually vigilant of classroom behavior and learning activities
- Must be able to work in outside weather conditions and be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, temperature fluctuations, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals commonly used in instruction and/or cleaning
- Must be able to be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of their duties
- Must be able to be exposed to infectious disease as carried by students
- Must be able to be exposed to aggressive student behaviors to include biting, hitting, kicking, and throwing of objects
- Must be able to wear and utilize safety equipment designed to minimize the risk of injury to the employee and to the student
- Must be able to travel on school owned or leased vehicles while supervising and assisting students
Desired Qualifications
- Initial certification by the National Board for Occupational Therapy
- Experience working with, or knowledge, of Limited English Proficient students
- Bilingual skills
- Successful experience teaching in a diverse student environment
- Successful experience in a team teaching environment
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