Provide direct occupational therapy services to K-12 students with special needs, focusing on the implementation and maintenance of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing therapeutic goals, and collaborating with educators and families to ensure functional independence.
Requirements summary
Requires a Master's degree or higher in occupational therapy and a valid state OT credential. Candidates should have experience in special education or behavioral health settings and proficiency in managing students with autism or learning disabilities.
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs [https://careers.chancelight.com/spectrum-center-schools-and-programs/], a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!
If you have a proactive mindset and thrive in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment where meaningful outcomes and functional independence are at the heart of everything you do — We Should Talk! 📲
As an Occupational Therapist, you will provide direct therapy to students in Grades K-12 with special needs including but not limited to development, implementation and maintenance of designated instructional programs, conducting regular assessments, and developing or adjusting individualized education plan (IEP) goals as needed.
‖ Responsibilities Include
Implementing student-specific occupational therapy services as outlined in each Individualized Education Program (IEP), including adherence to frequency, duration, and service location requirements.
Completing comprehensive assessment reports within state- and district-mandated timelines to support data-driven educational planning.
Communicating evaluation results and individualized therapy recommendations to families, educational staff, students (as appropriate), and related agencies, with appropriate consent from the student’s legal guardian.
Planning and developing targeted therapeutic goals that are educationally relevant and seamlessly integrated into each student’s academic program.
Conducting ongoing reassessments and modifying therapy objectives based on evolving student needs and progress toward educational outcomes.
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Paid Holiday Schedule
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Health Advocacy Services
Legal Services Insurance
Pet Health Insurance
Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
Annual Education Stipend
Opportunities for Growth & Development
24/7 Nurse Line
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
Personal Protection Insurance Plans
Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
Monitoring the fidelity of therapy implementation and collaborating with and training educators, paraprofessionals, and other support staff involved in occupational therapy interventions.
Documenting student progress through timely and accurate reporting in alignment with district standards and program guidelines.
Participating in IEP meetings to share data-informed insights, progress updates, and goal recommendations to support individualized planning.
Creating a supportive, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment tailored to each student’s sensory, physical, and cognitive needs.
Evaluating progress toward therapy goals and determining when students are ready to transition from or discontinue occupational therapy services.
Facilitating professional development sessions and in-service trainings to enhance the capacity of occupational therapy staff and interdisciplinary team members.
Participating in training school personnel on the effective use of assistive technology and adaptive equipment, while maintaining proper documentation of use and outcomes.
Attending and actively engaging in all required team meetings, trainings, and professional collaboration forums.
Performing additional duties as assigned, contributing positively to the overall success of the student services team.
‖ Qualifications Required
Master's degree or higher in occupational therapy or a closely related field of study.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a state occupational therapy (OT) credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in providing occupational therapy services, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
Proven success in developing and implementing effective treatment plans for students with diverse needs.
Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff members, students, parents and the public.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs [https://chancelight.com/locations/brands/spectrum/] is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education [https://chancelight.com/], the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!
> 💻 → Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we > provide by visiting the link below: >
At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!
‖ Perks and Benefits Include
Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
Annual Education Stipend - $2,000
FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Personal Protection Insurance Plans
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
Legal Services Insurance
Pet Health Insurance
Accrual-based Paid Time Off
School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
Opportunities for Growth & Development
And So Much More!
If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!
Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!
Occupational Therapist roles in California are typically in steady demand across schools and behavioral health settings, where IEP compliance and collaboration with educators or care teams matter. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a master’s degree, a current or pending state license, and prior special education or behavioral health experience. If you are applying, tailor your resume to show IEP documentation experience and note that this platform’s job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original posting, which can save time when comparing options.
