Occupational Therapist, Special Education School

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary

Our Special Education School offers children and youth, ages 5 to 22, who are visually impaired and/or have moderate-to-severe disabilities a safe, positive environment for learning and growth. In the least restrictive environment of our state-certified, non-public school, teachers and therapists develop students’ ADLs, communication, mobility and functional skills to increase their independence.

The primary purpose of the Occupational Therapist is to provide occupational therapy services to children from 5 to 22 years of age within the school. This role supports and promotes the development of essential skills that enable clients to engage in activities of daily living (ADLs) and meaningful participation in their school and communities. This role involves children and youth who have developmental delays, disabilities, and/or visual impairments that affect their ability to participate in age-appropriate activities or learning. The occupational therapist will work closely with other supports such as special education teachers, speech language pathologists and physical therapists.

This is a part-time position budgeted for 20 hours per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Participates in the development and implementation of each child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in collaboration with the family, teachers and additional service providers, as well as provides documentation as required by the school districts.

• Provides direct intervention to children five through 21 years of age that may exhibit behavioral challenges, severe motor delays with atypical or scattered skills or atypical tone, several global delays, and/or visual impairments, based on IEP goals.
• Maintain accurate, appropriate and complete documentation for all required paperwork including progress notes, IEPs, evaluation and consultation, case management, transition, child outcomes and billing at the frequency determined by program expectations.
• Collaborate with other providers, such as speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, special education teachers and paraeducators to ensure comprehensive care.
• Promote function, learning, and development across all domains, with an emphasis on adaptive behavior, self-help skills, fine and gross motor development, postural development, mobility, sensory development, and behavior, as related to Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in occupational therapy: Master’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy program. The program should be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
• California occupational therapy state licensure
• New Graduates are welcome to apply!
• Experience working in multi-cultural situations preferred.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Additional Benefits Offered for this role:

Training and professional development.
 

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.