Occupational Therapist Full-time Standard

Washoe County School District; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Vacation pay

Sick leave

Job summary

The Washoe County School District is looking for an Itinerant Occupational Therapist who will perform screenings and evaluations of fine motor and sensory needs for children aged 3-21. The ideal candidate will develop therapeutic programs, collaborate with educational personnel, and assist in managing students' IEP goals.

This position requires extensive travel across the district and a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. Familiarity with special education laws and significant communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in occupational therapy or related field from an accredited university.
• At least one-year pediatric experience preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with IDEA 2004 and compliance issues related to special education.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and assess students' needs and performance accurately.
• Develop therapeutic programs to support students in achieving IEP goals.
• Provide training to district staff on interventions and support strategies.

Skills

Effective oral and written communication

Intervention strategies

Collaboration

Education

Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy

Certification/registration by NBCOT

Job description

Overview

Under general direction of the Special Education Administrator, the Itinerant Occupational Therapist (OT) performs screenings and evaluations of fine motor and sensory supports for children (3-21), provides related services to support the educational programs of students who qualify for special education services to enable them to meet their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives. The Occupational Therapist is expected to recommend services, environmental adaptations and/or modifications as well as the staff training needed to manage students' fine motor and sensory needs to support their educational programs. Consultation and collaboration with assigned district educational personnel is an essential component of the occupational therapist's responsibilities. Extensive travel to school sites throughout Washoe County School District.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and assess students' needs, performance, and abilities with accuracy.
• Prepare comprehensive reports including: summary and interpretation of evaluation results; recommendations for eligibility for occupational therapy services according to the Special Education Handbook; recommended activities for student progress; and suggested IEP goals and objectives, where appropriate.
• Develop therapeutic programs, provide support, and train district staff to assist students in achieving their IEP goals and objectives.
• Provide recommendations, interventions, and technical assistance to district staff based on interpretations of assessment findings.
• Support district staff with knowledge of Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies related to the special education program.
• Seek out and participate in professional growth opportunities.
• Coordinate with districts to arrange for site visits, including making travel arrangements and housing accommodations as needed.
• Submit required paperwork (Travel Authorizations, Travel Expense Reports, Report of Services, Student Reports, Time Sheets, etc.) within the expected timeline.
• Communicate regularly with Special Education Program Administrator and Special Education Administrative Assistant.
• Represent WCSD professionally in local communities.
• Assist in the promotion of and recruitment for WCSD programs.
• Travel is required to perform job duties.

Employment Standards

Education/Experience: Any combination of education that would provide the required knowledge and skills in qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

• Education: Master’s Degree in occupational therapy or related field from an accredited university.
• Certification/registration by NBCOT.

AND

• At least one-year pediatric experience preferred but not required.

Knowledge: Knowledge of areas of practice specific to pediatrics including familiarity with IDEA 2004 and current legal mandates, including Federal and State law, compliance issues, and FERPA confidentiality requirements. Pediatric and school therapist experience preferred. Ability to plan, coordinate and provide training to school staff and parents as needed in a collaborative, consultant role. Experience working with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds.

Skills: Skill in selecting and providing a wide range of intervention strategies and monitoring their effectiveness. Skill in effective oral and written communication. Physical ability to execute job responsibilities which may include extensive travel and adaptability to a variety of lodging and travel circumstances; carrying test and personal equipment on and off small planes (up to 50 lbs); and transferring and/or lifting equipment.

Licenses/Certificates: Possession of or ability to obtain a valid State of Nevada driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to the District.

Note: THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.

Equal Opportunity

The Washoe County School District prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and/or discrimination based on an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veterans or military status, marital status, political affiliation, or the presence of any sensory, physical or mental disability in any of its educational programs/activities, employment or employment opportunities, or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Additional Information

Site(s): Special Education
Internal Job Number: 2025-26-C262469
Salary: Certified School Based Therapy Services Salary Schedule
Salaries are subject to adjustment and may increase or decrease each fiscal year. New employees hired by Washoe County School District are normally placed on the entry step of the grade of the position. View the salary schedules here.

Benefits: Benefit packages are available for all employees. Eligible employees who are regularly scheduled to work 27.5 hours per week or more receive full benefits. This includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance, sick leave, holiday pay, vacation pay, PERS, and other benefits. New employees will be fingerprinted upon hire with a deduction from the first paycheck to help defray fingerprinting costs. For accommodation requests in the selection process, contact Human Resources at [phone] or email [e-mail]