Florence Unified School District #1
Occupational Therapist
Florence Unified School District #1, Florence, Arizona, United States, 85179
Position Type:
Exceptional Student Support Services/Occupational Therapist
Date Posted: 3/7/2025
Location: DISTRICT WIDE - ALL LOCATIONS
Date Available: 07/07/2025
Closing Date: 06/01/2025 Position Overview: The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides services to students with disabilities in a K-12 public school setting. The primary role of the OT is to assess, plan, and implement individualized therapeutic interventions to support students in developing the skills necessary for daily functional activities in the school environment. These interventions may address motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, adaptive behavior, and functional skills to promote academic success and social participation.
Key Responsibilities: Assessment and Evaluation: Conduct thorough assessments to determine students' needs, strengths, and areas of concern related to motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living tasks. Administer standardized tests, observations, and functional assessments to develop individualized therapy plans. Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to gather comprehensive data regarding each student's needs.
Therapeutic Intervention: Develop and implement individualized occupational therapy treatment plans that align with students' educational goals and IEP (Individualized Education Program). Provide direct therapy services to students in both individual and small group settings, targeting skills such as fine and gross motor coordination, sensory integration, visual-motor integration, and self-regulation. Use therapeutic techniques and equipment to promote independence in activities of daily living, classroom participation, and social interaction.
Collaborative Support: Work closely with teachers, school staff, and other service providers (speech therapists, psychologists, special education staff) to create a cohesive, team-based approach to student support. Provide consultation and recommendations to teachers regarding classroom modifications, accommodations, and strategies to support students' functional skills and academic success. Support staff in managing classroom behaviors through sensory-based interventions and adaptive strategies.
IEP Development and Documentation: Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to the development of goals, objectives, and progress monitoring for students receiving occupational therapy services. Maintain accurate, timely documentation of student progress, therapy sessions, and assessments in accordance with district policies and regulatory requirements. Ensure that all therapy plans and interventions comply with state and federal laws, including IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Professional Development: Stay current with research, best practices, and advancements in the field of occupational therapy, particularly within the educational setting. Participate in professional development opportunities, workshops, and conferences to continually improve service delivery. Engage in ongoing supervision, peer collaboration, and case discussions to enhance professional skills and competencies.
Family and Community Engagement: Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers about their child's progress and therapy goals. Provide strategies for home-based interventions and support to help reinforce skills developed in therapy. Act as a resource to parents and staff on topics related to child development, sensory processing, and functional independence.
**This job description serves as a general overview of the key responsibilities and qualifications of the Occupational Therapist position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the school district may amend this description as needed. ** Qualifications: Education and Certification:
Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program. Active state licensure as an Occupational Therapist (or eligibility for licensure). Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is preferred. Knowledge of current K-12 educational practices, IDEA, Section 504, and other relevant regulations is preferred.
Experience:
Previous experience working as an occupational therapist in a school-based setting (K-12) is preferred but not required. Experience working with students with a wide range of disabilities, including physical disabilities, developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and learning disabilities.
Skills and Abilities:
Strong clinical skills in evaluating and treating children with a variety of needs. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with students, parents, staff, and interdisciplinary teams. Ability to design and implement effective therapeutic interventions that align with students' educational goals. Strong organizational skills to manage caseloads, documentation, and scheduling effectively. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment, maintaining positive relationships with all school personnel.
Physical Demands: The ability to move around the school campus and interact with students of various ages and abilities. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, as well as bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions: Work in a variety of settings within the school, including classrooms, therapy rooms, and playgrounds. Occasional travel between schools within the district may be required for therapists working in multiple schools.
Benefits: FUSD offers a competitive compensation package, along with opportunities for professional development, healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and support for your position within the district.
Terms of Employment:
Salary schedule commensurate with education and experience for this position 192 day contract - per work calendar for this position
Clearances:
Measles/Mumps/Rubella Immunity/Vaccination Valid I-9 form. AZ Department of Public Safety IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated annually by the Director of Exceptional Student Services or his/her designee in accordance with the Governing Board Policy.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Florence Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its policies, procedures or practices, in compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district's activities and programs. The Florence Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.
This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinator(s): the District Title IX Coordinator, and/or the District 504 Coordinator, both of which can be located on our web page www.fusdaz.com or in person at 1000 South Main Street, Florence, Arizona. Or by phone at (520) 866-3500.
Date Posted: 3/7/2025
Location: DISTRICT WIDE - ALL LOCATIONS
Date Available: 07/07/2025
Closing Date: 06/01/2025 Position Overview: The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides services to students with disabilities in a K-12 public school setting. The primary role of the OT is to assess, plan, and implement individualized therapeutic interventions to support students in developing the skills necessary for daily functional activities in the school environment. These interventions may address motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, adaptive behavior, and functional skills to promote academic success and social participation.
Key Responsibilities: Assessment and Evaluation: Conduct thorough assessments to determine students' needs, strengths, and areas of concern related to motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living tasks. Administer standardized tests, observations, and functional assessments to develop individualized therapy plans. Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to gather comprehensive data regarding each student's needs.
Therapeutic Intervention: Develop and implement individualized occupational therapy treatment plans that align with students' educational goals and IEP (Individualized Education Program). Provide direct therapy services to students in both individual and small group settings, targeting skills such as fine and gross motor coordination, sensory integration, visual-motor integration, and self-regulation. Use therapeutic techniques and equipment to promote independence in activities of daily living, classroom participation, and social interaction.
Collaborative Support: Work closely with teachers, school staff, and other service providers (speech therapists, psychologists, special education staff) to create a cohesive, team-based approach to student support. Provide consultation and recommendations to teachers regarding classroom modifications, accommodations, and strategies to support students' functional skills and academic success. Support staff in managing classroom behaviors through sensory-based interventions and adaptive strategies.
IEP Development and Documentation: Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to the development of goals, objectives, and progress monitoring for students receiving occupational therapy services. Maintain accurate, timely documentation of student progress, therapy sessions, and assessments in accordance with district policies and regulatory requirements. Ensure that all therapy plans and interventions comply with state and federal laws, including IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Professional Development: Stay current with research, best practices, and advancements in the field of occupational therapy, particularly within the educational setting. Participate in professional development opportunities, workshops, and conferences to continually improve service delivery. Engage in ongoing supervision, peer collaboration, and case discussions to enhance professional skills and competencies.
Family and Community Engagement: Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers about their child's progress and therapy goals. Provide strategies for home-based interventions and support to help reinforce skills developed in therapy. Act as a resource to parents and staff on topics related to child development, sensory processing, and functional independence.
**This job description serves as a general overview of the key responsibilities and qualifications of the Occupational Therapist position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the school district may amend this description as needed. ** Qualifications: Education and Certification:
Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program. Active state licensure as an Occupational Therapist (or eligibility for licensure). Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is preferred. Knowledge of current K-12 educational practices, IDEA, Section 504, and other relevant regulations is preferred.
Experience:
Previous experience working as an occupational therapist in a school-based setting (K-12) is preferred but not required. Experience working with students with a wide range of disabilities, including physical disabilities, developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and learning disabilities.
Skills and Abilities:
Strong clinical skills in evaluating and treating children with a variety of needs. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with students, parents, staff, and interdisciplinary teams. Ability to design and implement effective therapeutic interventions that align with students' educational goals. Strong organizational skills to manage caseloads, documentation, and scheduling effectively. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment, maintaining positive relationships with all school personnel.
Physical Demands: The ability to move around the school campus and interact with students of various ages and abilities. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, as well as bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions: Work in a variety of settings within the school, including classrooms, therapy rooms, and playgrounds. Occasional travel between schools within the district may be required for therapists working in multiple schools.
Benefits: FUSD offers a competitive compensation package, along with opportunities for professional development, healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and support for your position within the district.
Terms of Employment:
Salary schedule commensurate with education and experience for this position 192 day contract - per work calendar for this position
Clearances:
Measles/Mumps/Rubella Immunity/Vaccination Valid I-9 form. AZ Department of Public Safety IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated annually by the Director of Exceptional Student Services or his/her designee in accordance with the Governing Board Policy.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Florence Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its policies, procedures or practices, in compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district's activities and programs. The Florence Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.
This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinator(s): the District Title IX Coordinator, and/or the District 504 Coordinator, both of which can be located on our web page www.fusdaz.com or in person at 1000 South Main Street, Florence, Arizona. Or by phone at (520) 866-3500.