Position Title: Occupational Therapist (School-Based)
Department: Special Services
Reports To: Director of Special Education
Employer: Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District (KGBSD)
Location: Ketchikan, Alaska
Employment Status: Full-Time / Exempt (School Year Contract)
The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides screening, evaluation, and therapeutic intervention for K–12 students in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District to support fine motor, sensory processing, visual-motor, self-care, and functional performance in the educational setting. Serving on multidisciplinary Special Education teams, the OT develops Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), delivers direct and consultative services, manages Medicaid billing, and supports multi-tiered interventions (MTSS/RTI) to maximize student accessibility and learning participation.
Evaluations & Diagnosis: Administer standardized assessments and functional evaluations to evaluate fine motor coordination, visual-perceptual skills, sensory processing, neuromuscular status, adaptive self-help skills, and school environment accessibility.
IEP Development & Compliance: Draft measurable, standards-aligned functional goals and determine service delivery models (pull-out, push-in, consultation) in compliance with IDEA and Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) standards.
Therapeutic Service Delivery: Provide individual and small-group occupational therapy using evidence-based strategies tailored to each student’s physical, sensory, and educational goals.
Assistive Technology & Environmental Adaptations: Recommend, design, and implement adaptive equipment, assistive technology, sensory diets, ergonomic classroom modifications, and seating accommodations.
Medicaid Billing & Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely session notes, attendance records, and progress metrics within the district's electronic tracking system to ensure compliance for School-Based Medicaid reimbursement.
MTSS/RTI & Early Intervention: Conduct screenings and provide multi-tiered support to address motor and sensory needs early within general education environments.
Collaboration & Referrals: Consult with teachers, specialists, administrators, and families to support classroom accessibility, handwriting development, and home carryover. Initiate medical or external referrals for specialized orthopedic or medical concerns when needed.
Education: Master’s or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
State Licensure: Valid State of Alaska Occupational Therapist License (Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development), Alaska DEED Type C Special Services Certificate
.
Daily duties occur across district elementary, middle, and high school facilities.
Requires the ability to travel between school sites, physically position or assist students during therapeutic exercises, and manage adaptive equipment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before parents, staff and students.
Mathematical Skill: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Problem Solving: Can identify and resolve problems in a timely manner. Works well in group problem solving situations. Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Student Service: Manages difficult or emotional situations in a positive manner. Responds promptly to student needs. Responds to requests for service and assistance and meets commitments.
Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on solving conflict and not blaming. Maintains confidentiality. Listen to others without interrupting. Keeps emotions under control and remains open to other ideas and tries new things.
Teamwork: Contributes to building a positive work environment.
Diversity: Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences and promotes a harassment-free environment.
Ethics: Treats people with respect, keeps commitments and inspires the trust of others. Works with integrity and ethics.
Judgment: Exhibits sound and accurate judgment and includes appropriate people in the decision-making process. Planning/Organizing: Uses time efficiently.
Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner. Reacts well under pressure and treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. Accepts responsibility for their own actions.
Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures. Reports potentially unsafe conditions and uses equipment and materials properly.
Attendance and punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time.
Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management directions and takes responsibility for own actions. Keeps commitments.
Other Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated ability to operate computers and related software. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs. such as boxes of books and AV/VCR carts. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and
interact with the public and other staff.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District is an equal opportunity employer.