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Welcome to the show notes for Episode 50 of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast.
In this episode, Jayson hosts fellow occupational therapist, Amanda Clark, to talk about the differences between a contract school-based job and a district school-based job. After we identify the differences, we talk about how to land your first, or perhaps your fourth School-based Occupational Therapy job.
This podcast does not qualify as a Professional Development Podcast. You can learn more about how to earn professional development credits through the OTSH Podcast for your OT/COTA renewal certification here!
Links to Show References:
TYPES OF OT JOBS
Most common
District, Contract, County/SELPA (California Special Education Local Plan Areas) as they are called in California
Contract Jobs
Working for a private company that contracts with a school district - working for someone who is getting paid to have you work at a district
Pros
Mentorship opportunities
Salary and benefit negotiations are more common
Travel options
More job opportunities over a larger distance if you are willing to move
More autonomy
COTA jobs are few and far between district jobs, but contract companies often hire assistants.
May be opportunities to move up in the company beyond being a school OT
Cons
May feel out of the loop with the district employees or changes in policy
Benefits may not be as good as in a district.
May work in varied districts/locations (could be a pro)
Access to supplies, equipment, buildings, and even a space to work can be a challenge.
Hourly or PRN positions are very common in contract positions. Unless your district is a staggered year-round model, you will make less or even no money during the summer months.
Your caseload is more likely to fluctuate as a contractor. Maternity coverage is a common reason districts hire contractors.
District/County jobs
Working directly for the county education dept. Or a specific district.
Pros
Salary vs. hourly
Benefits tend to be good
May have more opportunities to collaborate and provide trainings
Cons
Limited opportunities to “move up” due to not having a credential
Limited school budgets
WHERE TO FIND A JOB
EdJoin is a national portal, but most postings are in California
Go to the district websites you wish to work for
Linkedin
Talk to friends and colleagues.
Referral bonus
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
Resume
2-3 current letters of recommendation
Letter of intent
OT License and Registration
Drivers license and Proof of insurance
Copy of your driving record
CPR Certification
Recent TB test
Transcripts
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Research the district a little bit
Practice answering possible interview questions
What is the OT's role in an IEP?
What is an IEP?
What is IDEA and ADA?
Understand what FAPE means
How might you collaborate with teachers to support students?
Understand best practices in regards to the delivery of service: collaborative, consultation, and direct and when each is or is not appropriate.
Be prepared to describe what a typical session would look like…
How would you explain why you are decreasing services to a reluctant parent? - hint... the key phrase they want to hear is “least restrictive environment”