INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY** (TEMPORARY) TOSA - Therapist of Special Assignment
High Desert ESD
Redmond, OR
Temporary
Part-time
2 days ago
Job Description:High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.Stipend: Up to 100 hoursLocation: EI/ECSE RegionalThis is open to current EI/ECSE therapists only for the 2025-2026 school year. Stipend pay based on employee's hourly rate.TOSA - THERAPIST OF SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT - TEMPORARYEmployee Value Statement:At the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon, where snow-capped mountains meet lush forests and vibrant communities, lies an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The High Desert ESD believes that every student, educator, and community member deserves a voice and a place to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, from the programs we develop to the partnerships we cultivate. We strive to create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.Position Summary:The Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program is seeking a licensed therapist for a temporary, non-supervisory Therapist on Special Assignment (TOSA) stipended position. This role offers an exciting opportunity to provide specialized leadership and coordination, significantly impacting our program's efficiency and equity and supporting our Medicaid billing expansion. The TOSA will partner with the Executive Director and ecWeb Administrator to ensure Medicaid billing alignment, regulatory compliance, and the development of a sustainable, equitable framework for service delivery across related service disciplines.Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Medicaid Compliance: Serve as a program resource and lead for Medicaid practices in EI/ECSE, ensuring alignment with Oregon Health Authority Requirements.
Regulatory Guidance: Support adherence to the Oregon Medicaid School-Based Health Services Manual, IDEA, OARs, and agency-specific guidance for SLPs, SLPAs, OTs, and PTs.
Caseload Framework: Lead the development and phased implementation of a data-driven framework for efficient and equitable caseload allocation, aligned with Pyramid Model principles and state/national regulatory guidelines (APTA, AOTA, ASHA)
Act as a liaison with administrative staff and the ecWeb Administrator to align therapist practices with Medicaid billing rules.
Provide training, resources, and technical assistance on compliance and billing regulations to related service providers.
Research and synthesize best practices for equitable caseload distribution for SLPs, SLPAs, OTs, and PTs.
Facilitate the development of tools and protocols for caseload decision-making, utilizing specialized licensure training and a pyramid-informed lens.
Collaborate with therapists to pilot, revise, and implement the caseload framework across various settings.
Participate in program evaluation and reporting related to Medicaid and service delivery equity.
Minimum Qualifications:
Currently licensed Speech and Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, or Physical Therapist in the State of Oregon.
A current EI/ECSE therapist provider.
10 years of experience in school-based or early childhood service delivery.
Strong knowledge of Medicaid billing practices, IDEA, and Oregon OARs governing school-based therapy.
Proven experience working across disciplines, taking leadership roles, and engaging in systems-level implementation.
Familiarity with the Oregon Medicaid School-Based Health Services Manual.
Must be able to bend, stoop and lift up to 50 pounds.
Must have access to reliable transportation and consistent attendance is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Pyramid Model practices and decision-making frameworks.
Experience teaching, coaching, leading professional development, or providing technical assistance.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to lead collaboratively
Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to: talk, hear, walk frequently, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hand dexterity for computer work, handle items, reach with hand and arms, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds and see close and at a distance, have peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus. Workloads are heavy and timelines may be unreasonably short at times. Requests and issues are often received which require immediate attention and conflict with other priorities.Terms of Employment Salary, benefits, and vacation are established by policy and contract.