OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Salary: $8,623.00 - $10,587.00 Monthly
Location : Bellflower
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: B2526/14
Department: Educational Services
Division: Special Education
Opening Date: 09/16/2026
Closing Date: 10/7/2026 4:30 PM Pacific

Under general supervision, provides educationally related occupational therapy services to students with various disabilities according to their Individualized Education Program (IEP); assesses student abilities and educational, developmental and functional needs; develops and implements individual and/or group occupational therapy intervention plans to support student success in the educational environment.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is characterized by responsibility for providing professional occupational therapy services within an educational setting, focusing on helping students with disabilities access and participate in their educational program. It is distinguished from the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in that the Occupational Therapist has full responsibility for assessment, treatment planning, and supervision of therapy services. It is further distinguished from other health services positions by its specific focus on fine motor, sensory-motor, and functional skills that directly impact educational performance.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Assistant Superintendent of School Support Services or designee. Exercises technical and functional supervision over Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and may provide work direction to paraprofessionals implementing therapy strategies.

Examples of Duties

• Conducts comprehensive assessments of students' fine motor, perceptual-motor, visual motor, motor coordination, sensory processing, and muscle strength using standardized and non-standardized assessment tools to determine eligibility and develop recommendations for occupational therapy services
• Develops, implements, and monitors individualized occupational therapy intervention plans that support IEP goals and objectives, focusing on skills necessary for educational participation
• Provides direct occupational therapy services to students individually and in groups, utilizing evidence-based interventions and therapeutic techniques
• Collaborates with IEP teams to establish measurable goals and objectives that address students' educational and functional needs
• Trains and consults with teachers, educational staff, and parents regarding therapeutic activities, adaptive strategies, and environmental modifications that can be incorporated throughout the student's school day
• Recommends, designs, and implements adaptations to classroom environments, materials, and curricula to facilitate student participation and success
• Evaluates and recommends assistive technology devices and adaptive equipment to support student access to educational activities
• Maintains comprehensive documentation including assessment reports, progress notes, treatment plans, and service logs in compliance with federal, state, and district requirements
• Attends and participates in IEP meetings, providing professional input regarding students' occupational therapy needs and progress
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates the performance of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and support staff
• Collaborates with other health professionals and service providers to coordinate comprehensive care for students
• Assists in the development of student transition plans focusing on functional life skills and post-secondary readiness
• Maintains current knowledge of best practices, research, and legal requirements in school-based occupational therapy
• Establishes and maintains a safe, organized therapy environment with appropriate equipment and materials
• Performs related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Child development principles including physical, cognitive, sensory, social, and emotional growth patterns
• Educational and developmental needs of students with disabilities
• Principles, methods, and techniques of occupational therapy as applied in educational settings
• Assessment tools and procedures for evaluating student abilities and needs
• Evidence-based interventions for addressing fine motor, sensory, and functional challenges
• Adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications
• Federal and state special education laws and regulations, including IDEA and Section 504
• IEP development and implementation processes
• Effective consultation and collaboration strategies
• Documentation and record-keeping requirements
• For supervisory positions include the following bullet last
• Fundamental concepts of employment laws, codes, and regulations, including EEO, FLSA, FMLA, and Cal/OSHA and applicable provisions of collective bargaining agreements

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments
• Develop and implement effective intervention plans aligned with educational goals
• Apply various therapeutic approaches and frames of reference to address student needs
• Analyze assessment data and translate findings into educationally relevant recommendations
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff effectively
• Communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences including students, parents, and educational teams
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, families, and school personnel
• Work independently while managing multiple responsibilities and priorities
• Maintain accurate records and prepare comprehensive reports
• Adapt therapeutic approaches to meet individual student needs and learning styles
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in service delivery
• Use technology effectively for assessment, intervention, and documentation
• Model communications and interactions that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - The following are the minimum qualifications and requirements:
Experience:

Two years of supervised experience in occupational therapy, with at least one year working with children and adolescents with disabilities in educational or pediatric settings. Experience in sensory integration techniques and school-based practice is highly desirable.
Education:

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program, with a Master's degree or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy preferred, from an institution of higher learning recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.
Current and valid license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy

Current registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
Equivalency Provision:

A Master's or higher degree in Occupational Therapy may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS - This summary provides examples of the work conditions and typical physical demands of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in various school settings including classrooms, therapy rooms, gymnasiums, playgrounds, and students' homes
• Exposure to students with various disabilities and behavioral challenges
• Travel between multiple school sites is required
• May involve exposure to bodily fluids and communicable diseases
• Work schedule follows the school calendar with occasional evening meetings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent lifting, positioning, and transferring of students weighing up to 75 pounds with or without assistance.
• Extended periods of standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, and sitting on the floor.
• Manual dexterity to operate specialized therapeutic equipment and demonstrate fine motor activities.
• Visual acuity to assess student performance and monitor safety.
• Hearing and speech abilities sufficient to communicate with students and staff.
• Physical stamina to provide hands-on therapy services throughout the school day.

Ready to Apply?
In addition to the application, submit the following required application materials for consideration. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three (3) letters of recommendation, dated within the past year

We offer comprehensive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, voluntary life insurance, disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week (4 hours per day) are eligible for pro-rated benefits based on hours worked.
01

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• Some High School
• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Some college (less than 60 units)
• Associate degree or at least 60 semester units
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

02

If you selected Bachelor's degree or higher in the previous question, please specify your major(s) or field(s) of study for each relevant degree level (e.g., Bachelor's in Biology from XYZ University; Master's in Education from ABC University). List all that apply, including institution names and graduation years where possible. Type N/A if Not Applicable
03

How many years of SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

• 0-1 year
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-5 years
• 5 or more years

04

Please detail your SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY experience. If you have no relevant experience to report, please write 'None'.For each role, please indicate:- Location/Employer:- Dates of Employment:- Job Title:- Sample of Key Duties:
05

How many years of experience do you have WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN EDUCATIONAL OR PEDIATRIC SETTINGS?

• 0-1 year
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-5 years
• 5 or more years

06

Please detail your WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN EDUCATIONAL OR PEDIATRIC SETTINGS experience. If you have no relevant experience in this area, please write 'None'.For each applicable role, please indicate:- Location/Employer:- Dates of Employment:- Job Title:- Sample of Key Duties:
07

How many years of experience do you have UTILIZING SENSORY INTEGRATION TECHNIQUES?

• 0-1 year
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-5 years
• 5 or more years

08

Please detail your UTILIZING SENSORY INTEGRATION TECHNIQUES experience below. If you do not have relevant experience in this area, please write 'None'.For each applicable role, please indicate:- Location/Employer:- Dates of Employment:- Job Title:- Sample of Key Duties:
09

Do you possess a current and valid license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you hold valid First Aid and CPR certifications?

• Yes
• No

11

Are you currently registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)?

• Yes
• No

12

Please describe a specific example where you implemented sensory integration techniques or environmental adaptations to help a student access their educational curriculum. If you do not have relevant experience in this area, please write 'None'.
13

Have you uploaded all of the following REQUIRED application materials with your application?* Resume* Cover Letter* Three (3) letters of recommendation dated within the past year

• Yes, I have uploaded all required materials.
• No, I have not uploaded all required materials.

Required Question