High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Title: Occupational Therapist

28 hrs/week, 5.6 hrs/day, 189 Days - for the 26/27 school year

Salary Range: The current salary range listed is for the 25/26 school year. This position's salary will be based on the bargaining agreement for the 26/27 salary schedule/ and depending on experience and education.

Location: High Desert Regional Education Center

Position Start Date: 08/24/2026

Salary Range: The current salary range listed is for the 25/26 school year. This position's salary will be based on the bargaining agreement for the 26/27 salary schedule/ and depending on experience and education. Benefits include pro-rated family insurance package, sick leave, paid holidays, generous PERS contribution.

Employee Value Statement:

At the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon, where snow-capped mountains meet lush forests and vibrant communities, lies an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The High Desert ESD believes that every student, educator, and community member deserves a voice and a place to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, from the programs we develop to the partnerships we cultivate. We strive to create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Position Summary: Under general supervision, the OT assesses and provides consultative, indirect, and direct occupational therapy services for identified students in seven counties served by High Desert ESD. Occupational therapy services include setting up programs and training staff to work toward the student’s goals for educational access and participation. The occupational therapist evaluates, selects and monitors use of adaptive equipment. Supervision of therapy assistants may be part of the occupational therapist’s duties.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Demonstrate knowledge of:
1. Role of an OT in the educational setting and the ability to explain that role to others
2. Role of an OT in working with students with a variety of needs, including behavioral, cognitive, and physical needs
3. Evaluation methods, including participation and strengths based assessment
4. Variety of intervention strategies, including direct and indirect interventions, as well as coaching and consultation strategies
5. Culturally responsive practice
6. Trauma-informed and resiliency-focused practice
7. Recent research developments
Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, consult with education staff, and direct a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), if necessary
Evaluate students to determine special education eligibility
Evaluate student needs and progress, using a strengths based approach
Develop appropriate intervention strategies
Support and maintain school and district policies
Successfully plan and complete assigned responsibilities within identified resources and timelines
Demonstrate excellent communication skills with students and team
Initiate program plan, allowing flexibility to meet the changing needs of a child
Provide specific training to educational staff
Evaluate and report student progress
Initiate and maintain communication with parents, teachers and other professionals
Participate in professional development activities
Decide on program needs and maintain materials and equipment
Provide input into an Individual Educational Program (IEP) for each student participate in IEP meetings
Implement consultation and therapy to meet IEP goals
Collect and record data on student progress
Complete required reports and other documentation promptly and in an acceptable manner
Communicate appropriately and regularly through use of email
Respect and maintain confidential information in all situations
Fulfill other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

A valid Oregon Occupational Therapy license is required.
Experience as a therapist with demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with students, educational staff, families, and other stakeholders.
Experience with pediatric occupational therapy strategy is preferred.
Experience working with students with both behavioral and physical needs is preferred.
Must be able to bend, stoop and lift up to 50 pounds.
Must have access to reliable transportation.
Exhibit regular attendance, as demonstrated by not more than an average of one day per month absent unless on a protected statutory leave
Be punctual and present for all required duties

Preferred Qualifications:

The ability to effectively communicate in Spanish is a plus.

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 position.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to: talk, hear, walk frequently, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hand dexterity for computer work, handle items, reach with hand and arms, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds and see close and at a distance, have peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus. Workloads are heavy and timelines may be unreasonably short at times. Requests and issues are often received which require immediate attention and conflict with other priorities.

Terms of Employment Salary, benefits, and vacation are established by policy and contract.

Occupational Therapist - for the 26/27 School Year (.7 FTE, 28 HRS/WK, 5.6 HRS/DAY)