High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Occupational Therapist - Temporary

24 hours per week, M-F, 189 days per year (pro-rated for remainder of 2024-25)

K-12 Special Programs

Position start date: ASAP

Location: Regional

Benefits include family insurance package, sick leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement program, generous PERS contributions.

Definition  Under general supervision, the OT assesses and provides consultative, indirect, and direct occupational therapy services for identified students in seven counties served by High Desert ESD. Occupational therapy services include setting up programs and training staff to work toward the student’s goals for educational access and participation. The occupational therapist evaluates, selects and monitors use of adaptive equipment. Supervision of therapy assistants may be part of the occupational therapist’s duties. 

Qualifications  Possess a valid Oregon Occupational Therapy license.  Experience as a therapist with demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with students, educational staff, families, and other stakeholders. Experience with pediatric occupational therapy strategy is preferred. Experience working with students with both behavioral and physical needs is preferred. The ability to perform significant reaching, bending, stooping, crouching and lifting up to 50 pounds is expected. Must have access to reliable transportation, and consistent attendance is required. Applicants must have successful experience in working with a variety of families and communities, and/or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to equity and strengthening engagement of a diverse community. 

Classification  Licensed

Reports To Director of Special Education or designee

Performance Responsibilities

1. Demonstrate knowledge of:
1. Role of an OT in the educational setting and the ability to explain that role to others
2. Role of an OT in working with students with a variety of needs, including behavioral, cognitive, and physical needs
3. Evaluation methods, including participation and strengths based assessment
4. Variety of intervention strategies, including direct and indirect interventions, as well as coaching and consultation strategies
5. Culturally responsive practice
6. Trauma-informed and resiliency-focused practice
7. Recent research developments 
2. Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, consult with education staff, and direct a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), if necessary
3. Evaluate students to determine special education eligibility
4. Evaluate student needs and progress, using a strengths based approach
5. Develop appropriate intervention strategies
6. Support and maintain school and district policies
7. Successfully plan and complete assigned responsibilities within identified resources and timelines
8. Demonstrate excellent communication skills with students and team
9. Initiate program plan, allowing flexibility to meet the changing needs of a child
10. Provide specific training to educational staff
11. Evaluate and report student progress
12. Initiate and maintain communication with parents, teachers and other professionals
13. Participate in professional development activities
14. Decide on program needs and maintain materials and equipment 
15. Provide input into an Individual Educational Program (IEP) for each student participate in IEP meetings
16. Implement consultation and therapy to meet IEP goals
17. Collect and record data on student progress
18. Complete required reports and other documentation promptly and in an acceptable manner
19. Communicate appropriately and regularly through use of email
20. Respect and maintain confidential information in all situations
21. Fulfill other related duties as assigned

Terms of Employment A contract renewable annually by the Board of Directors, under the terms and conditions of the statutes and administrative rules of the State of Oregon, conditioned upon successful evaluations and the employee’s maintenance of a current OT license. Salary and benefits are established by policy and collective bargaining agreement.