26/27 SY Occupational Therapist (ESS)

District Wide, Surprise, AZ; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Dysart Unified School District in Surprise, AZ is hiring a occupational therapist to develop and implement OT programs for identified students district-wide. The role reports to the Director of Exceptional Student Services and requires close collaboration with teachers, parents and related service providers.

The position involves screening, assessment, IE/504 plan development, direct services, and staff training.

Qualifications

• Current Arizona Occupational Therapist License.
• Bachelor’s degree in the area of occupational therapy.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Sensory Integration Certification preferred.
• Obtain and maintain a valid AZ IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Possession of a valid Arizona driver’s license and auto liability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Conducts screening and assessments and writes recommendation reports.
• Develops, implements, and monitors IEPs and/or 504 plans for OT services.
• Trains school staff in use of OT tools and strategies.
• Collaborates with parents, teachers and other professionals.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Documentation

Confidentiality

Organizational skills

Education

Arizona OT license

Bachelor’s degree in OT

Master’s degree preferred

Sensory Integration Certification preferred

IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Arizona driver’s license

Job description

Dysart Unified School District District Wide, Surprise, AZ - Surprise, Arizona Open in Google Maps

26/27 SY Occupational Therapist (ESS)

Dysart Unified School District District Wide, Surprise, AZ - Surprise, Arizona Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Dysart Unified School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5453181
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Dec 01, 2025 7:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

REPORTS TO

Director, Exceptional Student Services

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

SUPERVISES

No

DEPT

Exceptional Student Services

FTE

1.0

WORK CALENDAR

197

GRADE

OT/PT Salary Schedule

APPROVED

REVISED

03/12/2024

SUMMARY:Develops, plans and implements appropriate occupational therapy programs for identified students in the district.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts screening and assessments, interprets results to MET/IEP Team, to include teacher, parent/guardian, and other related service providers, and writes appropriate recommendation reports.
• Participates in the Child Find process as appropriate.
• Evaluates students using appropriately conveyed information with parents and school teams.
• Interprets assessment findings and appropriately conveys information to parents and school terms.
• Develops, implements, and monitors IEPs and/or 504 plans for all students in need of occupational therapy services.
• Provides direct services to student as indicated on specific IEPs and 504 Plans.
• Recommends and assists with procurement of therapeutic equipment and materials, based on student needs and designs specialized equipment as needed.
• Trains school staff as needed in use of OT provided tools/strategies to support access and participation.
• Consults with school staff, parents and agencies regarding student needs, progress, and instructional modifications and/or accommodations.
• Supports activities of teachers, COTA, if assigned, and classroom aides, as possible. Maintains student services, administrative and other department records in accordance with the Arizona Occupational Therapy Practice Act as well as school district, State and Federal policies.
• Evaluates and reports on student progress.
• Establishes and maintains good rapport with students, employees, community members and vendors.
• Communicates and consults with school staff, parents/guardians, administrators, physicians, community and other professionals effectively, both orally and in written form.
• Participates in professional growth activities.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Current Arizona Occupational Therapist License.
• Bachelor’s degree in the area of occupational therapy.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Sensory Integration Certification preferred.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC)
• Possession of a valid Arizona driver's license at time of appointment, and throughout employment. Proof of current auto liability insurance at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Personal transportation for job-related travel.

EXPERIENCE:

• Completion of six (6) months of supervised clinical affiliations.
• Two (2) years of pediatric clinical or elementary school experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Medical/surgical/pediatric information and indications for occupational therapy treatment.
• Reading and interpreting general documents such as employee handbooks and safety/training manuals.
• Writing general correspondence and speak effectively with others.
• Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Basic principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Best practices, trends and emerging technologies.
• Uses and properties of supplies and equipment.
• Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment.

SKILL IN:

• Applying reason to research and solving moderately complex issues with little or no assistance.
• Interpreting an assortment of instructions furnished in variable forms.
• Maintaining and updating documentation.
• Organizing and maintaining records, files and program information.
• Gathering data, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason.
• Authoring and preparing original reports, documents and presentations.
• Researching industry trends, solutions and best practices.
• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class require: stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Working Conditions: Work is routinely performed in an indoor office environment.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

The Dysart Unified School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Dysart Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.

Position Type: Full-Time Benefited

Salary: $72,050 Per Year

Job Categories:

Student Services > Occupational Therapist

Welcome to District Wide, Surprise, AZ

Dysart schools are among the top-rated in the state of Arizona. The district is home to the #8 ranked K-8 school in Arizona (Freedom Traditional Academy), three top 100 K-8 schools, and two top 50 high schools in the state. Overall, Dysart has 12 “A” rated and 10 “B” rated schools, 11 of which out-rank our local counterparts. Additionally, Freedom Traditional Academy has the highest test scores of any school in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage.Dysart Schools have been recognized both nationally and internationally with AdvancED Accreditation, and are dedicated to serving the needs of all children with high quality academic coursework, before-and after-school programs, and services for the entire community. Boasting a graduation rate that exceeds both the state and national average, the Dysart Unified School District prepares all students to be ready for college and career through excellence and success.Strong academics, arts, and athletic programs are an integral part of each school, and ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities in a 21st Century society are at the heart of our mission and vision. Dysart Schools offers one of the largest selections of academic pathways in the state, allowing students a personalized learning experience while meeting Arizona Academic Standards. Opportunities include full-day kindergarten, Career and Technical Education, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, signature programs, and gifted and special education programs.Dysart provides students the opportunity to explore their artistic side through an expansive fine arts program, where students participate in a progressive, performance-based curriculum that encourages them to reach their academic, creative, and expressive potential. Dysart students earned the second highest number of Arizona State Seals for Arts Proficiency across the state last year.Earning nine state championships in 2021-2022, Dysart Schools are highly competitive in athletics, and offer great opportunities for all students. Dysart offers competitive athletic classes to help students hone their athletic skills and abilities during the school day, and we aim to provide positive experiences and guide our student athletes toward realizing their full potential.Dysart Unified School District serves over 23,000 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in the Northwest Phoenix Metropolitan area. The district encompasses 140 square miles, serving parts of El Mirage, Glendale, Surprise, Youngtown, and Maricopa County. The district is home to four K-4 elementary schools, four middle schools serving grades 5-8, 12 K-8 elementary schools, four comprehensive high schools, a preschool, and one alternative program.

Contact Information

• Dysart USD HR Department
• 15802 North Parkview Place
• Surprise, Arizona 85374
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]