Springfield Public Schools is committed to finding the best candidate for the job, including candidates who may come from less traditional professional backgrounds. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job posting. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications outlined in the job posting.  If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

About the District

Springfield Public Schools is located in Springfield, Oregon, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, and serves 185 square miles of the city of Springfield and East/Central Lane County.  We are directly to the East of Eugene, where the University of Oregon is located.  We currently have approximately 10,000 students, over 1,400 staff members and over 600 teachers in our kindergarten through grade 12 school district.  Springfield Public Schools believes student success is our most important outcome.  The success of our students depends on the collective community coming together to support “Every Student, Every Day” throughout their K-12 education.

Springfield Public Schools commits to honoring the dignity of every student by creating  just, equitable, and fully welcoming environments for learning.

About the Position

Springfield Public Schools seeks outstanding candidates for the postion of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). This position will assist in the implementation of intervention services under the guidance of a licensed occupational therapist. The occupational therapy assistant works with students identified with having disabilities that interfere with their ability to fully participate in their educational programs, including daily life activities and other school occupations. The COTA may work in multiple school settings, including elementary, middle, high, and alternative programs.

The COTA works under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist (OT). Using the OT’s evaluation results and under their direction, the COTA plans and carries out activities and interventions to meet student/child needs. The COTA consults with the OT and other departmental staff regarding student progress, care and maintenance of equipment and supplies. The OT defines the level of guidance required in the work environment according to state licensing board standards. This position works 8 hours per day, 183 days per year.

Essential Functions

1. Supports and assists the OT’s evaluation of students’ abilities through a variety of functional, behavioral, and standardized assessments, observations, data collection, checklists and interviews with family, student, and educational personnel.
2. Contributes to the development of individualized occupational therapy (OT) intervention. Participates in planning and program development with the instructional team.
3. Based on the intervention plan, selects and implements therapeutic interventions to enhance student performance.
4. Based on the intervention plan, adapts the process and modifies the environment, including equipment and materials.
5. Explains intervention techniques to student and educational personnel.
6. Continuously monitors student progress, the effects of intervention techniques, and the need for continuation, modification, or removal of services, and communicates this information to the OT.
7. Documents OT intervention services and maintains administrative records in accordance with state guidelines and school policy.
8. Contributes information to multi-disciplinary teams.
9. Maintains inventory of therapeutic equipment and projects needs for budget planning.
10. Manages time well and performs other duties as assigned.

Successful candidates will possess the following qualifications that support our district mission "Every Student, Every Day":

• Successful completion of an Associate’s degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant;
• Current First Aid and CPR;
• Meet state license/certification;
• Successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening engagement of a diverse community;
• Able to work with and lead students in groups and individual activities;
• Able to work collaboratively and effectively with staff, students, parents, volunteers, and community members;
• Ability to select, adapt, and sequence relative strategies and purposeful activities that support intervention goals;
• Skill in effective oral and written communication;
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and progress notes, using office and computer equipment, standard software, and student information system software;
• Able to protect the confidentiality of student information, consistent with Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act
  requirements;
• Ability to complete daily district travel.

Other Notes

This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job.  This job posting is not a contract of employment or a promise of guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment.  The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

How to Apply

All postings/applications go through TalentEd Hire.  Go to www.springfield.k12.or.us and click on the “Join Our Team” link.  Locate the Licensed Postings button and click on the link, which takes you to TalentEd Hire. 

Incomplete applications may not be considered.  A complete application includes the following:

• Current resume;
• Complete application form including criminal history, drug-screen consent and affirmative action information forms on TalentEd Hire;
• Equity and Inclusion written statement (see prompt in application);
• Complete set of college/university transcripts (official or unofficial);
• At least three (3) current letters of recommendation from persons qualified to comment on your skills, abilities, and/or preparation for the position.

An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender or sexual orientation in admission or access to the treatment of employment in its programs and activities as required by state and federal law.  If you have any complaints, please contact Human Resources at (541) 726-3203.

It is our policy to provide qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with applicable law.  Applicants wishing to claim veterans' preference must provide the following military documents verifying their eligibility:

Veterans: A copy of the applicant's Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (a federal DD Form 214 or 215), which shows character of service upon discharge OR a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicating the applicant receives a non-service connected pension.

Disabled Veterans: A copy of the applicant's Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (a federal DD Form 214 or 215), which shows character of service upon discharge AND a copy of the applicant’s veteran's disability preference letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (unless the information is included on the DD Form 214 or 215).

For veterans’ preference to apply, the required military documents must be submitted at the time of application submission.