Certified ESA Occupational Therapist

Certificated Esa Occupational Therapist Special Education

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.

Essential Functions

• 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, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's 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 driver's license.

Working Conditions

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.

Required Clearances

• 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.

Terms of Employment

• 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.

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 procedures carefully. 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.

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, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io; Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Lori Gylling, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io. Address for both coordinators: 1300 East Third Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926.

Ellensburg School District