School Occupational Therapist

Company: Community Roots Academy
Location: Laguna Niguel
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: $40.00 - $45.00 Under the immediate direction of the Directors of Special Education, The Occupational Therapist (OT) willprovide comprehensive occupational therapy services to students in a school setting, addressing their uniqueneeds and supporting their participation in educational activities. In addition, the OT will assess students'functional abilities, develop individualized treatment plans, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to promote student success and well-being. Responsibilities include direct therapy, consultation, andcollaboration with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. The following duties are typical for this classification. However, incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/ormay be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs andchange business practices ~ Evaluate students to determine eligibility for occupational therapy services under IDEA or Section 504. ~ Provide direct and consultative OT services in educational settings (e.g., classroom, cafeteria, playground). ~ Provide direct therapy services to students based on Individual Education Programs ~ Support students in developing fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, gross motor, core strength,sensory, and daily living skills. ~ Prepare and maintain records and reports as required for compliance with state, federal, and administrativeregulations. ~ Participate in team meetings and contribute to collaborative problem-solving conversations. ~ Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team discussions, and student support meetings. ~ Collaborate positively with teachers, support staff, and parents to support students functional performancein school. ~ Communicate tactfully and effectively in both oral and written forms ~ Prepare and present materials effectively and maintain accurate progress documentation. ~ Recommend strategies, modifications, and accommodations to improve student participation andindependence, including students with 504 plans. ~ Assess student performance in meaningful activities relevant to daily life routines and the curriculum. ~ Identify student abilities, educational, developmental, or functional needs with the Individual EducationProgram (IEP) team, and develop long and short-term goals. ~ Develop a therapy intervention plan aligned with the IEP goals, objectives, and outcomes and implement itin appropriate settings and curricula. ~ Coordinate the implementation of goals and outcomes with the IEP team, including collaboration withgeneral education teachers for pull-out services, when appropriate. ~ Document findings, actions taken, and recommendations made regarding service areas and maintainrecords as required by the Department. ~ Assist in developing student transition plans, programs, and goals, as applicable. ~ Develop and implement training opportunities and in-services for educational staff, parents, andadministrators, as needed. ~ Monitor and adjust interventions based on student progress and data. ~ Stay current with best practices in school-based occupational therapy. ~ Attend trainings, workshops, and continuing education as required by the school or licensing body. ~ Maintain accurate and confidential student records, including progress monitoring notes and service logs. ~ Adhere to school policies, procedures, and ethical standards in education. ~ Other duties as assigned by the department director and/or site administrator KNOWLEDGE OF: Laws and regulations governing occupational therapy services; Laws and regulations relating to specialeducation programs and criteria for student placement; student behavior management, effective timemanagement, and proper documentation; Skills related to helping students with physical, cognitive, andsensory challenges succeed in their academic, social, and emotional lives. PREFERRED SKILLS: Strong communication and organization; Collaboration; Adaptability; Time management; Strong listening skillsand empathy for student needs; Strong written and verbal communication skills; Strong documentation skills. ABILITY TO: Assess, develop, and implement individualized interventions to help students participate more fully in theschool environment and succeed academically; Supervise other staff; Report to work on a regular andpunctual basis. EDUCATION: Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program; EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 2 years of experience in a pediatric or school-based setting preferred. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Current Occupational Therapy license in the state of practice; NBCOT certification. WORK ENVIRONMENT:indoors and outdoors PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Regularly required to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, walk, talk, hear or move about quicklyand frequently in different settings; Operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other officeequipment; Reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; Fine motorskills are needed for tasks like manipulating assistive devices or demonstrating exercise; Regularly required tospeak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly. BENEFITS: Paid sick leave, paid personal leave, medical/dental/vision coverage, employer paid life insurance, 403 (b)retirement, induction program reimbursement, before and after school child-care. Community Roots Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender,national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. For questions, please contact hr@learningcommunities.org

Keywords: Community Roots Academy, Encinitas , School Occupational Therapist, Healthcare , Laguna Niguel, California