Occupational Therapist

Belonging is a core value in the South Kitsap School District. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. We actively seek to understand the complex and rich identities of self and others and lean into and engage in courageous conversations. We know the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with unique ideas come together to learn and grow.

South Kitsap Employees Will:

• Maintain and enhance a sense of belonging and success for traditionally marginalized populations.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationship with students, families, staff and community members.
• Demonstrate understanding of our unique cultures and celebrate differences.
• Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Comments: This position will begin with the 2024/2025 school year. 

Job Summary:

This support position will be assigned to the Office of Special Services and report to the Director of Special Services. The position is part of our program for special needs students that require occupational therapy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participates as a team member with responsibility for the identification, eligibility, and placement of a group of special needs students;
• Assists in the development and monitoring of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for assigned students, and modifications of instructional programs to meet individual student needs;
• Participates with other staff to cooperatively plan, develop, and implement a course of instruction designed to achieve required academic essential learning standards for special needs students in all curriculum areas;
• Participates with other staff to cooperatively develop effective, positive techniques for improving student behavior;
• Provides positive assistance and guidance to a diverse population;
• Maintains student records, including special education reports, sensitive confidential records, behavioral data, essential learnings data, cumulative records, orders, and inventory, in a timely and orderly fashion;
• Participates in child guidance discussions to plan appropriate programs for the developmental level of each student;
• Participates in team and individual instructional planning;
• Facilitates and participates in staff meetings, planning events, department/special education meetings, manifestation determination meetings, FBA/BIP meetings, eligibility, evaluation, and placement meetings;
• Works cooperatively with total building staff in an atmosphere of cooperation and collegiality.

Competencies:

Teamwork – Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes appropriate feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests;

Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; conserves organizational resources;

Computer Skills – To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of computer operating systems;

Customer Service – Maintains professional demeanor when dealing with difficult or emotional situations; responds promptly to staff, student and public needs; solicits feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance;

Mathematical Skills – Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals;

Interpersonal Skills – Keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment;

Oral and Written Communication – Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings; read and comprehend written and verbal instructions; writes clearly and informatively;

Professionalism – Approaches other in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments;

Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality;

Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly;

Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; arrives at meetings and appointments on time;

Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; meets commitments; follows policies and procedures.

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Washington State ESA Certificate for Occupational Therapist required;
• Valid Washington State Occupational Therapy License;
• Must be flexible, exhibit a commitment to accomplishment, possess outstanding communication and conceptual skills, demonstrate appropriate and positive relationships, possess a strong professional orientation and be willing to actively participate in a team environment;
• Demonstrated successful experience with special education programs preferred;
• Working knowledge of a variety of research-based effective instructional and behavior strategies, including an emphasis on skills aimed at assisting special needs students;
• Strong coursework and background in evaluations, learning strategies, and behavior interventions;
• Demonstrated knowledge of new technology and an ability to incorporate into job skills;
• Demonstrated compatibility with staff, program, and school goals;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive attitude with students, self, and others.

Application Procedures:

Completed online application (with supporting documents)

Application Procedure:  Complete the online application at www.skschools.org and apply to the position(s) to which you are qualified within your online application. 

Submitting and completing your online application and applying to open positions ensures immediate availability of your data to our hiring administrators. 

PRINCIPALS AND HIRING ADMINISTRATORS CONSIDER ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS WITH COMPLETE AND CURRENT APPLICATIONS.

Positions close at 4:00 p.m. on the final day of posting.  Your online application and required District Testing (if applicable-see job posting when applying) must be submitted by the closing date for an applicant to be considered for a position.

If you need assistance with this process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 874-7074 or skjobs@skschools.org.

The South Kitsap School District provides equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation – including gender expression or identity, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Equal access to activities, facilities and program is provided to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. District procedure complies with all applicable state and federal laws.

The Title IX Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, and Gender Inclusivity Officer with the responsibility for monitoring, auditing, and ensuring compliance with this policy are:

Compliance/ADA/Title IX Coordinator:
Will Sarett,
Executive Director of Human Resources 
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7071
sarett@skschools.org

Section 504 Coordinator:
Tiffany Buckley,
Assistant Director of Health Services
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-443-3763
buckley@skschools.org

Gender Inclusivity Compliance Officer:
Dr. Tom Edwards,
Assistant Superintendent for Student Achievement
2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7003
edwards@skschools.org

South Kitsap School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services, and activities.  For information regarding translational bilingual education programs, contact the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at (360) 874-7050.

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free environment for all persons-students, community and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.