Occupational Therapist - Continuing

2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR

POSITION:

Occupational Therapist, 1.0 FTE

SCHEDULE:

7 hours/day and start/end times vary by building (between 7:20 a.m.-3:50 p.m.); Monday-Friday; School Year + additional days (reference Appendix B-1)

LOCATION:

Student Support Services assigns School Building Location(s)

SUPERVISOR:

Department Director(s)

POSITION TYPE:

Certificated, Continuing**

**The district reserves the option to return to this pool for non-continuing, leave replacement positions. Candidates will be notified if they are being contacted regarding a non-continuing position.

COMPENSATION:

$56,431-$110,208/year depending on prior school district experience; Up to ten years of comparable private-industry experience may be applied to salary placement with HR review/approval; Pay is annualized over 12 months (if hired after start of school year, spread over remaining months of fiscal year (Sept-Aug))

OTHER COMPENSATION:

View positions listed in CEA Appendices for details around additional days, etc.
Professional Development and Supply Allocation Funds:

The District will provide annually $700 per FTE employee for reimbursement of 1) Classes, conferences and/or workshops; 2) Purchase of work related materials (no gift cards may be purchased with these funds for any reason); 3) Certification Support
New Certified Staff Funds:

The District will provide a one-time $400 per FTE reimbursement to new employees with one year or less previous teaching experience (includes substitute time) to support initial classroom setup and supply needs. Does not apply to partial year leave replacement contracts.

BENEFITS:

Paid leave; If utilizing flexible hours/schedule, position hours must generate at least 630 work hours in the current school year for the following to apply: Medical, dental, vision, and basic life and AD&D insurance; retirement plan; deferred compensation (DRS and TSA)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Valid Washington State ESA Occupational Therapist Certificate; Valid Washington State Drivers License and personal transportation; WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance

*Please note: Per the CEA bargaining agreement, this is a restricted position. Those wishing to transfer must currently hold the same position (i.e., Instructional Support TOSA to Instructional Support TOSA). Employees not currently holding the same position and seeking transfer into the restricted positions must apply and the top four candidates, as determined by the hiring team, will be guaranteed an interview with out-of-district candidates.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Cheney Public Schools is a rapidly growing district serving approximately 5,300 students and encompasses the towns of Cheney and Airway Heights, an expansive rural area, and a developing industrial and residential area on the West Plains. The District covers 380 square miles.

Cheney Public Schools is committed to high expectations and continuous progress for students, staff, and administration. The District provides a rich learning environment for all students, and the local community provides consistent and unwavering support for an extensive co-curricular program. Our mission states, "Cheney Public Schools exists to guarantee a safe and caring environment where ALL students learn at high levels and graduate with options for post-secondary education, careers, and civic engagement."

Cheney Public Schools Strategic Plan drives the work of the district. There are six priorities: Student Safety, Student Well Being, Learning and Growth, Future Ready Outcomes, Exemplar School District, and Community and Facility Growth. The work of district TOSAs is integral to Learning and Growth, Future Ready Outcomes and Exemplar School District.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct individualized testing, analyze and interpret results, write comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation reports used for determining eligibility for specially designed instruction (SDI), related services or support for school staff in the area of fine motor.
• Interpret and follow federal, state, and district regulations and processes regarding special education and tiered interventions framework.
• Share evaluation results/data with parents and others during eligibility and/or IEP meetings, and participate in other meetings as needed/requested.
• Implement occupational therapy treatment utilizing purposeful, goal-directed activities within the framework of established methodology and based on the behavioral and biological sciences; targeting specific recommendations in reports and/or IEPs based on student strengths and needs as determined by assessment, therapy data, and observation.
• Develop and implement IEPs in collaboration with other providers and within required timelines.
• Routinely complete and share progress reports with parents.
• Serve as a team member in identifying, evaluating and providing educational programs for children with disabilities, including fine motor screenings and evaluations.
• As needed or requested, provide training and ongoing consultation to appropriate school staff regarding the delivery of fine motor skills instruction and/or accommodations.
• Supervise assistants, occupational therapy students, and/or volunteers assigned to the occupational therapist.
• Actively participate in in building and district Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
• Demonstrate mature behavior and ability to use sound judgment, along with strong desire to work with students, parents, staff, and community.
• Proficient use of computers and technology to assist in daily work activities.
• Maintain confidentiality per FERPA guidelines.
• Participate in building level ASIST/CST/SIT meetings as needed.
• Consult with support agencies and refer students/families as needed.
• Participate in Professional Learning Communities, staff meetings, and trainings.
• Perform other duties assigned by Director of Student Support Services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of occupational therapy assessments, techniques and principles, and service delivery models.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations affective Occupational Therapy licensure and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of and ability to work successfully with students receiving special education services and/or student with Section 504 plans.
• Skills in assessing fine motor skills of students, ages 3-21.
• Interest in developing skills in assessing and delivering services to infants and toddlers.
• Ability to respond consistently and appropriately in a calm, reassuring, and positive manner.
• Ability to prioritize duties, organize activities and work independently, as well as within a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow and give verbal and written directions with clarity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions, duties, and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee often remains indoors, however, may occasionally work in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May experience shifts in work schedule and/or work site according to student/district needs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Washington State ESA Occupational Therapist Certificate
• Must have and maintain a valid Washington State Driver License

CLEARANCES

• WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance

EVALUATION

The employee shall be evaluated per the terms of the Cheney Education Association (CEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement by the department director, building principal, or designee. The process shall include an evaluation of the employee's performance of the above Duties and Responsibilities, Essential Functions, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Must maintain valid Washington State ESA Occupational Therapist Certificate
• Must complete school safety training prior to deadline indicated within system and annually thereafter
• Attend designated trainings as specified by department director(s) and/or supervisor in order to maintain knowledge/skills
• Submit current/renewed certificates/licenses to Human Resources upon attaining

HISTORY

Job description updated: March 2025

LOCATION:

Student Support Services (SSS)

WORK SITE:

Based on student need as determined by SSS administration

REPORTING

RELATIONSHIPS:

Position is supervised and evaluated by the department director(s) with input from work site principal(s)

COMPENSATION:

Placement on the CEA Salary Schedule based on education and experience

REPRESENTATION:

Cheney Education Association (CEA) a local chapter of Washington Education Association

Cheney Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, economic status, pregnancy, familial status, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions: Title IX/Chapter 28A.640 Officer/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator/ADA Coordinator - Tom Arlt, Assistant Superintendent, Cheney School District, 12414 S. Andrus Rd. Cheney, WA 99004 Phone: (509) 559-4550; Section 504 Coordinator - Franklin Day, Director of Student Support Services, Cheney School District, 12414 S. Andrus Rd., Cheney, WA 99004 Phone: (509) 559-4507.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER