Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist

Department: Early Childhood CARES
Rank: Assistant Clinical Professor
Annual Basis: 9 Month

Multiple positions available

Review of Applications Begins

December 17, 2024; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

A complete online application includes the following documents:
- Letter of interest indicating area(s) of expertise for which applicant wishes to be considered.
- Current resume / Curriculum vitae

Department Summary

Early Childhood CARES provides early intervention and early childhood special education services to infants, toddlers, and preschool children in Lane County. Over 1700 children who have developmental delays or disabilities are served each year.

Early Childhood CARES services include parent consultation, parent-toddler groups, specialized preschools, consultation with children in community preschools or child care, and speech, physical or occupational therapy.

Staff who work for Early Childhood CARES have teaching licenses or state authorization to teach young children. They are specialists in early intervention/early childhood special education, speech language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and school psychology.

Early Childhood CARES is actively seeking to implement Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging principles in the work we do with children and families and in our workplace, including in our hiring practices. We welcome a broad spectrum of candidates and particularly invite applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the profession. We also recognize that evidence suggests that members of historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups self-select out of positions due to concerns over failure to meet requirements; we strongly encourage such applicants to apply even if they are uncertain about their qualifications.

Early Childhood CARES is funded by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) with state and federal dollars.

Position Summary

Early Childhood CARES is seeking qualified applicants for its open Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist positions.

Physical and Occupational Therapists at Early Childhood CARES teach young children (birth to five years old) or provide consultation concerning children with a variety of developmental disabilities, and sensory impairments in classrooms, in homes, and in community settings. This position will also provide direct physical or occupational therapy to young children as specified on the child's Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).

Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist faculty positions are non-tenure-track, renewable positions that include both academic year and summer appointments. Appointments are renewable annually.

Additional Expectations of the Position:
• This position involves working in homes, preschools, and clinic situations.
• This position must be able to travel to locations throughout Lane County that may not be serviced by public transportation. Employees must be eligible to be a University of Oregon certified driver, as driving is part of the essential functions of this position.
• Ability to interact effectively with children while providing instruction, including bending, kneeling, or sitting at child-size tables and chairs.
• Enrollment in the Central Background Registry is mandatory.
• Valid CPR/First Aid Card.

Minimum Requirements

Physical Therapists:
• Master’s degree in Physical Therapy.
• Valid Oregon license for Physical Therapy.

Occupational Therapists:
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Valid Oregon license for Occupational Therapy.

Professional Competencies

• Promotion of equity and diversity in all settings as well as understanding and commitment to anti-racist principles.
• Maintenance of high level of confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, FERPA and agency protocols.
• Compliance with state and federal laws governing all aspects of EI/ECSE service provision.
• Exceptional prioritization of tasks, timely completion of work assignments and ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
• High level of professionalism and comprehensibility in communication, both in-person and written.
• Advanced skills in effective teaming and collaboration with sites, colleagues, and supervisors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in Spanish.
• Experience teaching preschool-age children (birth to five years) with a range of disabilities.
• Experience teaching children with autism, challenging behaviors, and/or multiple disabilities.