September 12, 2025
CERTIFICATED VACANCY 

2025/2026

Occupational Therapist

Special Services

1.0/Continuing

            *As with all Special Services postings, these hours and their location are dependent upon program need and student enrollment. *

JOB SUMMARY

In accordance with requirements of IDEA and WAC 392-172, the therapist works as part of a team to provide direct, indirect, and consultative therapy services, for identified students in areas of fine and gross motor skills. The therapist conducts screening and evaluation in order to identify eligible students and design effective treatment programs as part of the IEP team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide direct, indirect, and consultative therapy services for identified students to achieve necessary goals within the educational setting
• Provide services for both gross and fine motor skills
• Assist in the identification of students in need of therapy through screening and evaluation
• Participate as a member of an IEP team in designing and implementing effective treatment programs as determined by the students’ individual educational plan
• Maintain appropriate written records and reports for each student evaluated and/or served, and evaluate the effectiveness of the students’ program, modifying and adapting as needed
• Provide consulting services to family, school staff, and community agencies involved with the student regarding the therapy program and any adaptations needed to facilitate improved performance in the classroom
• Maintain professional competence through in-service and professional growth activities and provide in-service education for staff and support personnel
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities
• Observe and evaluate student performance and development and provide appropriate feedback
• Provide opportunities for students to self-reflect and track progress toward learning goals
• Provide a safe, positive and effective environment that reflects and facilitates learning
• Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences including communicating student progress in a timely and professional manner
• Self-reflect and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional performance to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses and adjust accordingly to reach maximum effectiveness
• Perform other job-related duties as requested by the supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in physical or occupational therapy
• Must have a Washington State Physical or Occupational Therapist license and an ESA certificate prior to first contracted day

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Knowledgeable of the essential requirements with IDEA and WAC 392-172
• Able to build a positive learning environment including modeling respect and honoring the dignity of all students, staff and parents
• Able to work cooperatively with parents, teachers, and administrators in providing direct and indirect services to disabled students
• Able to develop rapport with students
• Able to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences including communicating student progress
• Able to work collaboratively with a team, contributing in a positive was
• Exhibit a commitment to on-going professional learning including demonstrating the ability to develop professionally in areas of the school and district focus
• Ability to express thoughts concisely and effectively

DESIRED CRITERIA:

Related experience or a minimum of pediatric affiliation with a strong interest in pediatrics is preferred     

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

A person working in this position will exert 35 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly while carrying, pushing, and/or pulling to move objects.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; some stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching; and significant fine finger dexterity. The employee may also be required to work at elevated heights and climb ladders. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or ordinary infectious diseases carried by students 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT and Salary:

As outlined by and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of Mead Education Association (MEA) and Policies and Procedures of Mead School District. CBAs and Salary Schedules can be reviewed from the Human Resources page of the Mead School District website at https://www.mead354.org/apps/pages/Human_Resources/.  Mead policies and Procedures can be accessed online at https://www.mead354.org/apps/pages/Board_Policies/

The salary range for teachers in the Mead School District is between $57,877 and $117,314 per school year.  Placement is defined within the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and is generally based upon a combination of Education and Experience.   Other forms of compensation may be available to the hired applicant in addition to their established salary range or wage scale as defined within the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Each employee shall accumulate twelve (12) days of sick leave per year. An employee employed less than a full term shall be entitled to a proportionate part of the sick leave allowance Each employee shall earn five (5) annual leave days per year. Employees less than 1.0 FTE will receive a prorated share of annual leave based on their percentage of FTE.

Employees anticipated to work more than 630 hours per year will be eligible for Benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Standard benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability.  Positions anticipated to work 70 hours or more per month for at least 5 months over the school year are eligible for Retirement through the State Department of Retirement Services.

APPLICATION:

Mead School District Certificated Employees, on a continuing contract, interested in this position need to apply for this position via your login to myMead to be connected to the online application system, Talent Ed Recruit & Hire.  Please complete the required information on the internal application, including uploading a letter of interest and current resume to your profile, on or before 11:59PM, September 19, 2025.
 
All other applicants interested in this position, must apply for this posting through a link to our online applicant system found on the website at www.mead354.org. Upload the required documents to your application. Below is a list of required materials.  If you have questions regarding this process, you may contact Shelli Nemec at the District Administration Building or email [email protected]. The application, along with all required documents must be completed on or before 11:59PM, September 19, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

                                                        REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR A COMPLETE                 

• Your Resume.             
• Your Letter of Interest, which speaks specifically to your teaching abilities in the area you are applying.    
• Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable).
• Copy of your Washington State Teaching Certificate(s) or Professional Permit(s). If your WA State teaching certificate is in the application process or your permit is pending, you can still be considered for positions.
• A current Placement File (within the past 3 years) containing a minimum of 3 dated Letters of Recommendation.                  

* In Lieu of a current Placement File you may submit 3-5 Letters of Recommendation (current and dated within the last 3 years).

Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed before employment commences. The successful candidate for this position must be fingerprinted. Employment is contingent upon clearance by the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Mead School District #354 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use ofa trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equalaccess to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance procedures may bedirected to the District’s Title IX/Civil Rights Officer, Josh Westermann, Section 504 Coordinator, Heather Havens and/or Affirmative Action officer, Keri Hutchins, at (509)465-6000 or via mail to 2323 E. Farwell Rd., Mead, WA,99021. Persons who may need some accommodation in the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Office at (509) 465-6010.  

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