Occupational Therapist → $2,000 Annual Education Stipend

Atlantis Academy•Pacifica, CA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Occupational Therapist (OT) to join their award-winning Special Education team. This role involves performing meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression, and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction. The ideal candidate has a proactive mindset and thrives in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment where meaningful outcomes and functional independence are at the heart of everything they do. As an Occupational Therapist, the individual will provide direct therapy to students in Grades K-12 with special needs, including the development, implementation, and maintenance of designated instructional programs, conducting regular assessments, and developing or adjusting individualized education plan (IEP) goals as needed. Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults, with over 50 years of experience and partnerships with over 235 school districts nationwide.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.