Occupational Therapist 1.0 Cannon Valley Special Ed Coop Faribault, MN

Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative

The Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative (CVSEC) serves the vibrant Minnesota communities of Faribault, Medford, Northfield, and Owatonna. We offer a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a collaborative and compassionate environment. At Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative, you'll find: a team-oriented and supportive culture, specialized and impactful programming, opportunities for growth and development, and a commitment to student success.

If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can make a meaningful difference in students' lives, we invite you to join our team at CVSEC. Together, we're building brighter futures every day!

Position Overview

The successful candidate will be an individual who firmly believes: all students can and will learn, and their learning can be directly influenced by focusing on factors over which we have control. You can work interdependently with teachers, school, and district leaders throughout the system, aligning the work of adults around improving student learning by meeting students' needs, interests, and aspirations. You want to work with staff to continuously improve practices that enhance student and family engagement, creating the conditions for student success.

Primary Responsibilities

Duties of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct assessments to evaluate a student's physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities.
• Develop individualized education plans (IEPs) with teachers, parents, and other professionals.
• Design and implement therapy programs to improve motor skills, sensory processing, and adaptive functioning.
• Set goals with measurable outcomes that align with educational objectives and support student learning.
• Provide interventions that help improve fine motor skills (e.g., handwriting, cutting with scissors) and gross motor skills (e.g., coordination, balance).
• Promote self-regulation techniques for students who struggle with emotional or sensory regulation.
• Help students with organizational skills and routines, such as using visual schedules, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and maintaining focus.
• Provide guidance and training for staff members on supporting students' sensory or physical needs in the classroom.
• Track and document progress to ensure that students are meeting therapy goals.
• Prepare reports for IEP meetings, progress meetings, and communication with parents.
• Assess sensory processing issues and provide strategies to help students better respond to sensory stimuli in the classroom environment.
• When necessary, create sensory-friendly spaces within the school setting and provide tools and techniques for students to manage sensory sensitivities.
• Recommend and train students on using assistive technology tools, such as communication devices, specialized keyboards, or software, to aid learning.
• Ensure that technology is integrated into the classroom to facilitate student participation and independence.
• Facilitate peer interactions and teach skills such as turn-taking, sharing, and appropriate communication to support students' social skills.
• Help students build self-confidence and resilience in school-related tasks.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution. Valid state licensure or certification as an Occupational Therapist. Experience working with children in a school or pediatric setting is preferred. Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment. Commitment to all students' education, creative planning and organizational skills, and highly effective interpersonal skills.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is based on the CVSEC Master Agreement, with a range of $52,522- $94,864. Your initial placement depends on your qualifications, including education and years of experience. We are proud to offer our employees a wide array of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability, free telehealth options through HealthiestYou, an employee assistance program, and retirement contributions.