Job Description:

Job Summary:

To provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become life-long learners and responsible citizens by developing, planning, and implementing appropriate therapeutic programs for the students of the district. 

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implements therapeutic activities to address deficits in the area/s of fine motor, visual motor, sensory motor, and visual perceptual as indicated on the IEP
• Directly supervises COTA's and/or Fieldwork Students as per state licensure statutes
• Administers, interprets, and writes up assessments in the areas of fine motor, visual motor, sensory motor and visual perceptual how these areas affect a student's academic performance
• Instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons for the purpose of supporting the student
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans (IEP) for services and/or making recommendations
• Participates in meetings, processes, etc. for the purpose of ensuring that state standards and/or federal mandates are achieved
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. progress reports, daily treatment notes, Medicaid billing, student activities, correspondence, IEP's, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information
• Presents information (e.g. student performance data, and clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls
• Assesses/recommends need for adaptive equipment and/or environmental modifications as needed for successful implementation of a student's functional goals
• Participates/facilitates in meetings, workshops, and seminars for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform school-based functions
• Research resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing a student's functional goals
• Responds to all internal and external customers, as it relates to job, in a prompt, efficient and patient manner
• Conducting evaluations, developing and implementing appropriate therapeutic programs for students
• Reassessing and revising programs as necessary as student’s status changes
• Gathering therapeutic equipment and designs specialized equipment as needed
• Planning and conducting in-service activities in occupational therapy
• Accepting responsibility for students’ well-being and safety while they are in employee’s care
• Assisting in the maintenance of a quiet and orderly classroom environment
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in pre-occupational therapy, psychology, biology, or related field
• Master’s degree accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, in child development, therapeutic techniques
• Current license from the Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners; grandfather clause for licensure is honored
• Completion of six to nine months of supervised clinical affiliations
• Health standards and hazards, safety practices and procedures, knowledge of medical and neurodevelopmental conditions commonly seen in a pediatric population, knowledge of various assessment materials for this population and knowledge of positioning devices
• Includes placements in diverse settings, often focusing on pediatrics, physical disabilities, or mental health
• Expertise in sensory processing, motor skill development, and assistive technologies for students
• Experience with individualized education programs (IEPs) is a key competency

 Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and 504 Plans
• Collaboration with teachers, special educators, speech therapists, and other staff
• Skilled in using standardized tests and observational assessments to determine students' needs
• Ability to create and implement individualized treatment plans tailored to student needs
• Ability to adapt classroom tools and environments to enhance participation (e.g., assistive devices, sensory-friendly modifications)
• Act as a resource for staff training on therapeutic strategies and accommodations
• Manage a caseload of students, including scheduling, progress monitoring, and documentation
• Creative approaches to addressing challenges in diverse and often resource-constrained environments
• Sensitivity to students' emotional and developmental needs

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Workspaces include general education classrooms, special education rooms, therapy rooms, playgrounds, and sometimes hallways or cafeterias
• Work hours align with the school day, but preparation and documentation may extend beyond standard hours
• Exposure to sensory-rich environments (e.g., noisy classrooms, visually stimulating spaces)
• Frequent movement between classrooms, therapy spaces, and other areas of the school
• Occasionally lifting or moving light to moderately heavy equipment, such as therapy tools, assistive devices, or adaptive furniture
• Ability to exert 10-30 lbs. of force, to lift, push, pull or otherwise move objects

Please apply here: https://mpsaz.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5488087