SUBSTITUTE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST(S) 2026-27

Occupational Therapist

Provide occupational therapy students with motor disabilities in special and regular education classrooms, from preschool through grade twelve.

The Bellevue School District is committed to a diverse workforce representative of our students, one that embraces and models cultural competency as an international community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Evaluate, select and schedule caseload in cooperation with the school team.

Adapt/modify equipment/materials for students with motor disabilities.

Complete the special education compliance paperwork process as appropriate, including evaluation reports and Individual Education Programs (IEPs).

Participate in the referral and evaluation/reevaluation process to determine special education and related services for students that may be in need of special education (to include but not limited to supplementary aids, supports and accommodations, etc.).

Adapt the professional role of the occupation/physical therapist to the public schools.

Direct the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel.

Attend or participate in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District and/or building principal, in order to accomplish the objectives of the position and for professional development.

Work cooperatively with regular education teachers, paraeducators, and other student services staff; including consulting, providing services in general education classrooms, and inclusion support.

Foster and manage a safe, positive learning environment through creating an environment of respect and rapport, managing student behavior and organizing a safe physical space for student learning.

Use multiple student data elements to modify therapy or instruction and improve student learning. Design student programs, assessment and maintain accurate student records.

Communicate and collaborate with parents and the school community through effective and ongoing communication.

Participate in site-based decision-making processes.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports directly to and is supervised by the Special Education Supervisor

Education and Experience:

Required:

Possess or qualify for immediate issuance of a valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate certificate endorsed as an Occupational Therapist.

BS degree from an American Occupational Therapy Association approved program.

Possess a valid license as an occupational therapist in Washington State.

Preferred:

Experience working in a multi-cultural environment preferred.

Knowledge:

Commitment to the District's vision, mission and goals. Ability to work in a collaborative or team approach.

Knowledge of IEP process and the writing of goals/objectives and behavior intervention plans.

Skills:

Skills in oral and written communication.

Strong organizational skills.

Ability to work with other members of a school or department to accomplish common goals.

Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, collaboratively and positively with students, parents, and colleagues, orally and in writing.

Ability to work with students in multi-aged groups.

Ability to use varied assessments, including performance tasks, portfolios, and student self-assessment.

Attends ongoing professional development activities, such as college course work, professional associations, workshops, and in-service opportunities.

Demonstrates a commitment to equity and exhibits a strong and positive attitude with the belief that each student can be taught and has the right and capacity to achieve personal academic excellence.

Ability to perform all duties in accordance with applicable board policies and district and legal requirements.

Ability to meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations.

Depending on specific position vacancy:

Possess a valid Washington State Driver's License.

Education and/or experience working with students in targeted populations, such as disabilities ranging from mild to severe/profound.

Ability and willingness to transfer, toilet, and feed students.

Physical Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. This position may be exposed to prolonged exposure to visual display terminals as required. Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Conditions of Employment:

These are on-call positions. The number of days or hours that a substitute works is dependent upon the number of contracted staff who are absent on any given day. No specific guarantee of work is offered.

Rate of pay is $53.57/hour. Substitutes are not eligible for benefits until they work 630h in a certain school year.

Note:

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Notice of Non-Discrimination:

Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.