Salary: $42.90 - $54.75 Hourly
Location : Various locations in La Mesa-Spring Valley, CA
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Job Number: 2627-05
Department: Special Education
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
Job Summary & Examination Date Dual-Merged (2627-05)
Under the direction of assigned Program Manager, provides assessment, consultation and direct occupational therapy treatment and services according to assigned student's Individual Education Plan (IEP); develops, plans and implements appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives; provides recommendations for accessibility, program development and student placement; prepares assessments and evaluations of student's needs; prepares and maintains records and reports.
An examination will be given to establish an eligibility list for the position of Occupational Therapist in order to fill current and future vacancies. The eligibility list will be effective for six months, or until it is exhausted, whichever comes first. The current vacancy is 8 hours per day, 206 paid days per year.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Completed online applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the closing date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application or supplemental questions; however, applicants may submit resumes along with the completed online application.
A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Make sure your application thoroughly details your education and work experience.
The examination process may include one or more of the following: written exam, performance and/or technical oral examination.
Merit Exam: TBA (by invitation only)
Examinations will be given by appointment only. Following the conclusion of the Examination process, the candidates will be ranked and notified of their scores.
Examples of Duties Administer basic first aid and CPR as needed.
Assist in coordinating the implementation of student's transition plan, programs, goals and outcomes with the IEP team; follows-up, monitors and adjusts the occupational therapy program as needed; re-evaluates students' individual occupational therapy plan on a regular basis.
Conducts assessments in the areas of fine motor, gross motor, functional abilities, visual motor, visual perceptual, self-care/activities and sensory processing; evaluates students using standardized tests, observation, and clinically derived surveys; scores and interprets results; determines program eligibility and develops recommendations for treatment, appropriate assistive devices and school placement; assesses student needs and abilities regarding access to educational curriculum.
Communicate with parents, school personnel, referring physicians, other therapeutic or medical personnel vendors, and outside
agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns.
Develops treatment plans aimed at improving the identified areas of function, as they relate to the student's educational needs; proposes individualized goals, accommodations, equipment and strategies to facilitate student learning.
Identifies structural issues to remove barriers for students with physical limitations; identifies appropriate assistive technology; sets up and maintains motor lab.
Inventories and orders occupational therapy equipment and office supplies as assigned; sets-up therapeutic equipment for treatment sessions.
Operates a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.
Operates assistive therapeutic equipment, tools and adaptive materials employed in performing occupational therapy services such as postural equipment, sensory regulation tools and related adaptive materials
Performs visits at multiple school sites; conducts home visits; drives a vehicle to various sites to conduct work.
Prepares a wide variety of written materials such as activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, Medi-Cal billings.
Prepares and maintains records and reports as required for compliance with various State, federal, and administrative regulations; maintains activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, notes and medical records pertinent to student care.
Provides direct occupational therapy services according to an assigned student's Individual Education Plan (IEP); identifies and evaluates occupational therapy needs of students to help students meet their educational goals; administers occupational therapy procedures and modalities for the purpose of achieving program objectives.
Serves on IEP teams and committees as assigned.
Trains and provides instruction to classroom support staff, parents and families concerning appropriate occupational therapy techniques; serves as liaison to District staff, physicians, parents, teachers and other agencies in implementing a treatment plan.
Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Attends and participates in meetings, in-service trainings, workshops and conferences.
Minimum Qualifications Any combination equivalent to: master's degree from an approved occupational therapy program consistent with licensing requirements experience that demonstrates the ability to work with students with a variety of disabilities.
Occupational Therapist License Valid Board certification from the National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Valid California Class C Driver's License and Evidence of Insurability.
Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency.
Valid License from the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities KNOWLEDGE OF:
Applicable laws and regulations concerning medical records, therapeutic services and IDEA
Applicable sections of the State Education Code and special education and other laws relative to occupational therapy services
Current methodology and practices, including fine, visual and gross motor skills, sensory integration, and functional self-help skills
Health and safety regulations
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
Interpreting, scoring and administration of assessments
Mathematic calculations
Methods, materials and equipment used to alter existing or fabricate specialized therapy equipment
Methods of individual and group occupational therapy
Occupational therapy strategies, techniques and methodologies in educational settings
Oral and written communication skills
Principles of training and providing work guidance to assigned staff
Professional code of ethics related to occupational therapy
Record-keeping, filing, research and report preparation techniques
Sensory processing and integration, self-regulation, postural reflexes, motor coordination, standardized tests, task analysis, technology and
visual perceptual skills
Techniques used in the assessment and treatment of disabilities
Use of assistive devices related to occupational therapy
ABILITY TO:
Determine and evaluate treatment; communicate effectively
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Gather, collate, and classify data
Interpret, apply and explain treatment approaches and rationale to IEP team members
Maintain current knowledge of related technological advances and other matters
Maintain records and files
Meet schedules and timelines
Monitor and evaluate equipment needs
Observe health and safety regulations
Operate assistive therapeutic equipment, tools and adaptive materials used in performing occupational therapy services
Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software
Perform basic first aid and CPR as required
Prepare assessment and related reports
Prepare written evaluations and review medical and therapy reports
Prioritize and schedule work
Provide assessment, consultation and direct occupational therapy treatment and services to students with special needs
Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Train and provide work guidance to others
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor office/classroom environment
Driving a vehicle to conduct work
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate therapy equipment
Hearing and speaking to exchange information
Lifting and carrying moderately heavy objects and adaptive equipment
Pushing or pulling wheelchairs, mobility toys and other adaptive equipment
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to utilize therapy equipment
Seeing to monitor children and read a variety of materials
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time while working with students
HAZARDS:
Potential close contact with impulsive or aggravated students
Potential contact with blood or body fluids
Potential contact with blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases
Traffic hazards
The District provides excellent benefits for permanent employees who work 20 or more hours per week, including:*Substitute positions do not qualify for District covered benefits*
1.
Medical: Choice of VEBA (Kaiser or United Health Care)
2.
Dental: Delta Dental or Delta Care HMO (District-paid for employee only)
3.
Life: Life ($50,000) and Accidental Death & Dismemberment ($50,000). Also includes MEDEX Travel Assistance (for medical care situations 100 miles from home or international trips up to 90 days; with some exclusions)
4.
Vacation: (10+); Sick (9.50+ days per year) - vacation/sick accumulation days increase with years of service
5.
Employee Assistance Program: (at no cost to employee): through San Diego County EAP
6.
VEBA Optum Health: Employee assistance program
* Note: Benefits are subject to change.Voluntary Plans:-Dependent life insurance coverage
-Disability plans through American Fidelity
-Vision: VSP Vision Care $10.20/monthly paid by employee
-403(b) Retirement
-MetLaw prepaid legal through Hyatt Legal Plans
In addition:- Bargaining unit eligible employees may elect to become a CSEA member.
- Employees working 20 hours per week or more are enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system.
01
A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Make sure your application details your education and work experience.
Did you complete the application?
03
This position requires possession of a valid Occupational Therapist License. In order to be considered for this position you MUST attach a copy of your OT license. Your application will be considered incomplete without it. Did you attach a copy of your OT license?
04
Hiring managers are required to check references prior to making a job offer. You will not be added to the eligibility list if you have not included at least one professional reference on your application. Did you include references on your application?
Required Question