Job Summary

Start Date: 08/03/2026

The Occupational Therapist is a classified, exempt position with Element Education, Inc. (EEI). The Occupational Therapist shall provide educationally related occupational therapy services to students with various disabilities in accordance with the student's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). The Occupational Therapist will work in collaboration with and report to the Director of Student Services and SPED Program Manager.

The Occupational Therapist is expected to handle a variety of assignments that relate to individual students' specialized needs and related disabilities. They are expected to work independently with the students on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. The occupational therapist has a broad scope of evaluative tasks in the development, planning, and assessment of therapy programs.

Job Description / Essential Elements:

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist is a classified, exempt position with Element Education, Inc. (EEI). The Occupational Therapist shall provide educationally related occupational therapy services to students with various disabilities in accordance with the student's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). The Occupational Therapist will work in collaboration with and report to the Director of Student Services and SPED Program Manager.

The Occupational Therapist is expected to handle a variety of assignments that relate to individual students' specialized needs and related disabilities. They are expected to work independently with the students on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. The occupational therapist has a broad scope of evaluative tasks in the development, planning, and assessment of therapy programs.

Essential Functions

Support Student Learning

1. Develop, plan, implement, and update an occupational therapy program for students with various disabilities.
2. Determine current levels of motor development, areas of educational concern, and the developmental areas of need
3. Assesses students' abilities and performance in activities that are related to the curriculum and applicable to activities of daily living.
4. Identifies and documents students' educational/developmental/functional needs with the IEP team
5. Write assessment reports
6. Assess individual students and develop appropriate intervention which includes goals/objectives of IEP team.
7. Develops, coordinates and implements individual occupational therapy intervention plans that support the IEP goals and objectives.
8. Designs, plans and executes group occupational therapy plans which support the specialized instructional setting.
9. Assists with the development of students' transition plans, programs and goals.
10. Participate in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting to develop/update annual goals and short-term objectives
11. Recommend and utilize appropriate materials and/or specialized equipment to facilitate implementation of individual educational programs related to motor skills development.
12. Records assessments, actions taken and recommendations made regarding areas of service as required by law, board policies, administrative regulations and the Special Education Department.
13. Schedules, plans and provides occupational therapy programs for students with physical limitations, orthopedic impairments and/or other areas of concern for the purpose of aiding the students' physical rehabilitation in accordance with IEP goals.
14. Recommends, designs and creates adaptive equipment.
15. Trains and serves as a consultant to staff in areas such as sensory motor, sensory stimulation and body awareness, fine motor and gross motor skills and other areas within the therapist's area of expertise.
16. Demonstrate educational and developmental strategies to staff and families
17. Explain and provide training on occupational therapy and rehabilitative procedures
18. Provide consultation for classroom and home management of motor, sensory, perceptual and self-care programs.
19. Demonstrates appropriate activities for students to program staff.
20. Provides consultative services to parents, students, teachers and program staff.
21. Responds to inquiries and concerns which arise from parents, students, teachers and staff.

Accountability and General Administration

1. Maintain accurate records and files
2. Maintain a neat and orderly work environment
3. Support staff as needed
4. Attend and participate in all required meetings, trainings, and school functions; Promote and participate in the creative exchange of ideas
5. Observe confidentiality
6. Return all correspondence, including phone calls and emails, in a timely manner; Be accessible during business hours and respond to administrative needs and inquiries
7. Comply with the Organization's Safety Plan

Public Relations

1. Develop positive relationships with parents and the general public associated with the organization
2. Communicate and support the Organization's mission, policies, and procedures
3. Represent Element Education and its programs in a positive and professional manner
4. Assist with maintaining a positive and effective work environment; Treat all staff with respect, provide opportunities for participation in decision making, and be responsive to the human needs of staff members

Professional Behavior and Development

1. Attend staff and planning meetings and workshops
2. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
3. In collaboration with Director of Student Services and the SPED Program Manager, plan for own career growth and ongoing professional development
4. Observe confidentiality

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of:

1. Child development (intellectual, sensory, and physical development), neuromuscular function/dysfunction, sensory motor integration, kinesiology, skeletal anatomy, and basic pathology related to orthopedic disabilities
2. Individual and group occupational therapy techniques commonly used for students with special needs.
3. Techniques used in the assessment and treatment of disabilities
4. Educational and medical applications of adaptive equipment.
5. Generally accepted standards of health and sanitation.
6. Case management principles
7. Record keeping practices and procedures
8. Familiarity and commitment to the mission and educational philosophy of Element Education
9. Ability to make accurate assessments of the developmental status and educational needs of students
10. Ability to maintain records as directed by supervisor
11. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff
12. Ability to remotely and/or virtually perform duties and attend meetings, as needed
13. Ability to exercise emotional maturity in communicating with students, parents, and colleagues
14. Demonstrate considerable knowledge of technology, Microsoft Office 365 and its' applications, and DocuSign
15. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
16. Ability to present in front of small and large groups
17. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Use appropriate language, tone, and English usage
18. Demonstrate good judgement
19. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships; be approachable and professional
20. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; be self-motivated and well-organized
21. Ability to think strategically and independently
22. Demonstrate willingness to help others and foster a cooperative and positive work environment
23. Ability to accept responsibility and constructive criticism
24. Ability to work collaboratively with various teams, groups of individuals, and families

Requirements

1. A valid license by the California Board of Occupational Therapy
2. Certification by the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
3. Registration with the American Occupational Therapy Association
4. Previous work experience with children and working in a variety of settings

Upon Hire

1. First Aid/CPR/AED certification
2. Proof that employee is free of active tuberculosis (i.e. TB risk assessment, TB test, chest X-ray, etc.)
3. Reliable vehicle and valid driver's license.

Salary: $61,660 - $109,627 per year

Work Schedule: 10 months

FLSA Classification: Exempt

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 job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for an extended period of time. Sitting is done at a desk with forward bending from the waist, leaning on the forearms, and looking down which requires neck flexion. The employee is regularly required to read, speak, see, and hear well enough to communicate by telephone, electronically, and in person. Employee must also regularly be able to write, file, type and operate a computer, telephone, and general office equipment. It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc., either occasionally or frequently, depending on the day. May occasionally have to climb up stairs, stoop, kneel, and/or lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Normal office working conditions within a collaborative environment.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Certification
• Letter of Introduction
• Letter(s) of Reference (3 letters (Not required for internal applicants))
• Resume

Comments and Other Information

Location: San Diego County
Work Schedule: Full-Time

*Travel required.