Occupational Therapist

Vancouver Public Schools; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 64,498 - 121,573; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits

Paid time off and personal leave

Retirement benefits through DRS

Job summary

Vancouver Public Schools in Washington state seeks a licensed Occupational Therapist for the 2026-2027 school year. The role involves direct pediatric therapy, OT planning, and collaboration with staff across multiple buildings.

Candidates must hold a WA ESA certificate, OT degree, and active license with NBCOT eligibility. The position is full-time with opportunities for professional development and district-aligned initiatives.

Qualifications

• Valid Washington ESA certificate for Occupational Therapist.
• Bachelor's degree in OT from AOTA-approved program; Master's preferred.
• Proof of national and state OT license, registered and licensed in WA and NBCOT eligible.
• Must provide own transportation and a valid driver's license.
• Ability to relate to administrators, teachers, parents and students.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and use technology for communication and planning.
• Willingness to participate in professional development aligned with district initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct therapy for students in pediatric settings.
• Write clear reports and IEPs per state/district requirements.
• Collaborate with staff on OT plans, assessments and results with parent-friendly language.
• Supervise and collaborate with a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Engage students using technology in learning activities; maintain organized files.
• Maintain state license for billing; participate in evaluations and meetings across schools.
• Demonstrate flexibility, teamwork, and professional conduct with students and families.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy

Master's degree preferred

Job description

For the 2026-2027 school year

Full time positions

Posting Period: Open until filled

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

Résumés should include education, relevant experience (including current position), and skills which highlight the qualifications of the position to which a person is applying.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Qualifications

• Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificate for the role of Occupational Therapist
• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from an American Occupational Therapy Association-approved institution; Master's degree preferred
• Proof of national and state license as an occupational therapist, registered, and licensed by the State of Washington and registered with NBCOT or eligibility for the above by having taken the certification test (In which case temporary license with sponsor must be on file before starting)
• Must provide own transportation
• Must possess a valid drivers license
• Ability to relate well to administrators, teachers, parents, and students
• Knowledge and experience in a variety of diagnoses, ages, and populations and applying the appropriate modalities
• Conveys humor and positive energy with team members, students and parents as well as the motor team department
• Ability to work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse
• Advanced ability to use technology as an effective communication, planning, and instructional tool
• Willingness to participate in professional development courses aligned with the school and district initiatives

Essential Functions

• Works with a wide array of modalities and theoretical bases in pediatric areas such as: Sensory Motor/Postural Development, Fine motor, Sensory Integration, Environmental/Equipment adaptation, Education/Training of Staff, Adaptive Technology, and Visual Motor/Perceptual skills, as well as others
• Performs work with developed organization and time management skills for managing documents and participation in evaluations, treatments and meetings for multiple school buildings, including maintenance of files
• Writes clear and concise reports and IEPs following state and district requirements
• Provides direct therapy treatment for students
• Works with staff on occupational therapist roles, treatment plan and/or assessment results in a professional manner, with “parent-friendly” terminology
• Supervises and collaborates with a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant on student plans, evaluation, and treatments
• Problem solves and shows creativity in a variety of situations with limited resources
• Uses multiple frames of reference, models and theory bases for treatment
• Maintains state license which allows billing of services
• Actively engage students in using technology in individual and collaborative learning activities
• Works in a flexible and cooperative manner
• Treats co-workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serves as a positive role model for students, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance and hours of operation as set by the assigned building/location and the Comprehensive Professional Agreement to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements
• Supervision of students
• Other duties as assigned

Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate and acceptable.

Benefits/Compensation

• Salary range: $64,498 - $121,573 (includes Base & TRI enrichment; commensurate upon FTE, degree, credits and experience). Salary schedules can be accessed here.
• Additional Compensation: Certificated positions may have additional pay provisions above what is represented on the salary range such as, but not limited to TRI professional learning, extended year days, extra appendix E supplemental days and professional development reimbursement. Detailed information, including eligibility criteria, can be found in the VEA CBA. Salary schedules can be accessed here.
• Benefits: Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits. Detailed information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found here.
• Retirement: Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Eligibility is based on FTE. Detailed information can be found here.
• Time Off: Includes paid time off, sick, personal, religious, military and bereavement leave.
  • Sick Leave: 8 hours per month (part-time employee accrual will be proportionate to their FTE).
  • Personal Leave: 3 days per school year
  • Detailed information, including accrual criteria can be found in the VEA CBA.