Occupational Therapist

We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing, planning, and implementing therapeutic interventions that enhance the functional independence and participation of our minimally verbal autistic students across all school environments. The OT will address a wide range of developmental and sensory processing needs to support students' ability to learn, play, socialize, and perform daily living activities. Our goal is to create a nurturing and supportive environment that provides individualized treatment and education for our students.Responsibilities include:● Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations using standardized and non-standardized assessments to identify students' strengths and challenges related to fine motor skills, gross motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, self-regulation, daily living skills (ADLs/IADLs), and play skills.Occup● Interpret assessment results and develop data-driven, individualized treatment plans aligned with students' individualized education plans.● Regularly monitor student progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.● Design and implement individualized and group occupational therapy interventions that are evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and sensitive to the unique needs of minimally verbal children with autism.● Address sensory processing differences by implementing sensory diets, environmental modifications, and regulation strategies to improve focus, participation, and self-regulation.● Facilitate the development of fine motor skills for activities such as writing, cutting, manipulating objects, and self-care.● Promote gross motor development, coordination, and motor planning for participation in play, physical education, and navigating the school environment.● Support the development of daily living skills (e.g., dressing, feeding, hygiene) and instrumental daily living skills relevant to the school setting.● Collaborate with the speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other team members to integrate communication goals into OT interventions, utilizing AAC devices and strategies as appropriate.● Integrate visual supports, routines, and predictable structures into therapy sessions.● Adapt and modify tasks and environments to promote student success and engagement.● Work collaboratively with Clinical Care Coordinator, Head Teacher, Assistant Teacher,Aides, SLPs, behavior analysts, parents, and other team members to create acohesive and integrated approach to student support.● Provide consultation and training to school staff on sensory strategies, adaptive equipment, fine motor development, and environmental modifications to support student learning and behavior in the classroom.● Actively participate in individualized student meetings, providing expert input on student goals, progress, and recommendations.● Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers regarding student progress, home programming, and strategies for carryover.● Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of student assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and communication.● Ensure all services are provided in compliance with state and federal regulations (IDEA), school policies, and professional ethical guidelines.● Remain current with best practices, research, and advancements in occupational therapy, autism spectrum disorder, sensory integration, and AAC.● Participate in ongoing professional development opportunitiesRequired Skills and Experience ● Master's or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.● Current and valid state licensure as an Occupational Therapist in California.● NBCOT certification required.● Minimum of five (5) years of experience working as an Occupational Therapist, with significant experience in a school setting and/or with children with autism spectrumdisorder.● Demonstrated expertise and passion for working with minimally verbal or non-speaking children with autism.● Strong understanding of sensory processing challenges and evidence-based sensory integration strategies.● Familiarity with various assessment tools relevant to the school-aged population with autism.● Experience with and knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and strategies (e.g., PECS, core vocabulary communication boards, high-tech AAC devices).● Patience, empathy, creativity, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children with autism.● Experience or knowledge in assessing and treating feeding/swallowing disorders.● Ability to conduct thorough assessments for students with ASD, utilizing both standardized and criterion-referenced tools, as well as informal observations and parent/teacher interviews.● Proficiency in collecting and analyzing data to monitor student progress, adjust intervention strategies, and report on outcomes.● Ability to respond calmly and effectively in crisis situations with appropriate training.● Exceptional ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including educators, SLPs, behavioral specialists, clinical care coordinators, psychologists, and administrators.● Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with parents and caregivers, provide training, and involve families in the therapeutic process.● Strong advocate for the communication needs of children with severe ASD.● Commitment to ongoing professional development.● Ability to perform physical activities such as sitting, standing, walking, running, reaching, lifting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, and pulling.

Created: 2025-06-13