Occupational Therapist (OT) - Full Time - Lake Elsinore, CA - K-12

Job Title: School-Based Occupational Therapist (OT)
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Department: Special Education
Schedule: Full Time

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our school-based team. The ideal candidate will work with students from preschool through high school who have a variety of developmental, sensory, physical, and cognitive challenges. The OT will assess, design, and implement individualized therapy programs that support students’ ability to access and engage in their educational environment, helping them reach their academic, social, and physical potential.

• Qualifications
• Education:
• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.

• Licensure/Certification:
• Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist.
• Certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) preferred.
• Experience:
• Previous experience working in a school setting or with children with special needs is preferred.
• Knowledge of educational laws and IEP processes (e.g., IDEA, 504 plans).
• Skills & Competencies:
• Ability to develop and implement creative, engaging therapy plans for children.
• Strong understanding of child development, sensory processing, fine motor skills, and educational strategies.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with school teams, parents, and community resources.
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for working with children in an educational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Student Assessment:
• Conduct comprehensive evaluations for students with special needs, assessing fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, handwriting, and other functional abilities necessary for school participation.

• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs):
• Collaborate with special education teachers, parents, and other school staff to develop, implement, and review students’ IEPs, ensuring OT goals align with academic and functional objectives.
• Therapeutic Interventions:
• Provide direct one-on-one or small group therapy sessions that target specific student needs, including sensory regulation, motor coordination, functional play, self-care, and other daily skills.
• Consultation and Collaboration:
• Work with teachers, aides, and parents to provide strategies for supporting students’ participation in classroom activities, physical education, recess, and other school routines.
• Student & Family Support:
• Provide guidance and education to students and families regarding strategies and tools to support the development of independent living and academic skills at home and in school.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of student progress, treatment plans, and any concerns regarding a student’s development, in compliance with school policies and legal requirements.
• Professional Development:
• Stay current on best practices in school-based therapy, including attending training and workshops on educational laws, therapeutic techniques, and school systems.

   

  Working Conditions

• Physical Demands:
• Ability to interact with children in a variety of classroom settings, which may include standing, sitting on the floor, or helping children with physical tasks.
• Occasional lifting or assistance with mobility for students with physical disabilities.
• Environmental Conditions:
• Work environment includes typical school settings, including classrooms, therapy rooms, playgrounds, and gymnasiums.