Occupational Therapist starting the 2026-2027 School Year

Walla Walla Public Schools•Walla Walla, WA

About The Position

PURPOSE STATEMENT The occupational therapist will work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to assist in the identification of students in need of therapy using a variety of diagnostic instruments for assessing functional mobility, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, gross and fine motor function, and self-care skills. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Design and conduct programs of prevention, instruction, remediation and/or evaluation relative to the discipline of occupational therapy. Determine the educational significance of a student’s physical, sensory or gross/fine motor deficits in terms of reasonable functional needs. Recommend appropriate method of intervention to remediate or compensate for deficits as related to the environment and the student’s current levels of functioning. Apply purposeful, goal directed, developmentally sequenced activities to enhance student deficits through specially designed instruction or related service delivery models. Manage student caseloads, complete all annual IEP’s following district guidelines and state/federal compliance mandates, write measurable goals and objectives. Assess and review educational and medical records and perform evaluations in the areas of gross/fine motor function: activities of daily living and self-help skills; sensorimotor development, muscle strength and endurance; functional mobility skills and range of motion; equipment needs; function of orthotic and prosthetic devices; and prevocational skills. Establish and maintain a standard of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, safe and productive therapy service. Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with staff, administrators, parents, support groups, governmental and community service agencies. Maintain appropriate confidential reports, records, and files in compliance with state and federal law. Attend and 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 including on-going professional staff development. Report incidents of child abuse, altercations, and substance abuse for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment, and adheres to the educational code of ethics and district/school policies. Identify equipment needs and assist in securing, fabricating, adapting and maintaining equipment inventories. Plan, develop and monitor instructional programs carried out by Para Educator and/or other educational personnel. Provide training to staff and parents as appropriate. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Reports to the Director of Special Education and building administrators as appropriate.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited Masters Level program in Occupational Therapy
Registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
Valid Washington State Occupational Therapist license
Hold or have the ability to obtain a current Washington State Educational Staff Associate Certification
Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district.
Advocate for equity, inclusion and professional practices that ensure all students achieve at high levels.
Knowledge of SEL practices and approaches.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding the identification and placement of students in special education/ 504.
Experience and knowledge of current theories and methodologies of assessment, treatment, data collection for functional mobility, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal gross motor and self-care skills of children ages 3 to 21.
Ability to plan, write and deliver instructional programs on student’s IEP.
Knowledge of current state assessments, and graduation requirements.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate regularly with parent and staff regarding therapy services and student progress.
Ability to establish and maintain positive effective working relationships with a variety of students, staff, and community in multicultural and diverse socioeconomic settings.
Ability to participate collaboratively in teams and with staff at multiple building sites.
Ability to meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations.
Ability to maintain state and federal special education compliance requirements including timelines.
Ability to continue participation in staff development to maintain professional skills.
Ability to attend to students’ personal hygiene, gastrostomy tube, feeding/medication, intermittent catheterization, diapering or other health needs.
Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.
Valid Washington State ESA certification
Valid Washington State driver’s License and access to personal transportation.
Completed employment application/background check.
Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct programs of prevention, instruction, remediation and/or evaluation relative to the discipline of occupational therapy.
Determine the educational significance of a student’s physical, sensory or gross/fine motor deficits in terms of reasonable functional needs.
Recommend appropriate method of intervention to remediate or compensate for deficits as related to the environment and the student’s current levels of functioning.
Apply purposeful, goal directed, developmentally sequenced activities to enhance student deficits through specially designed instruction or related service delivery models.
Manage student caseloads, complete all annual IEP’s following district guidelines and state/federal compliance mandates, write measurable goals and objectives.
Assess and review educational and medical records and perform evaluations in the areas of gross/fine motor function: activities of daily living and self-help skills; sensorimotor development, muscle strength and endurance; functional mobility skills and range of motion; equipment needs; function of orthotic and prosthetic devices; and prevocational skills.
Establish and maintain a standard of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, safe and productive therapy service.
Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with staff, administrators, parents, support groups, governmental and community service agencies.
Maintain appropriate confidential reports, records, and files in compliance with state and federal law.
Attend and 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 including on-going professional staff development.
Report incidents of child abuse, altercations, and substance abuse for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment, and adheres to the educational code of ethics and district/school policies.
Identify equipment needs and assist in securing, fabricating, adapting and maintaining equipment inventories.
Plan, develop and monitor instructional programs carried out by Para Educator and/or other educational personnel.
Provide training to staff and parents as appropriate.