School Based Occupational Therapist or COTA
Listed compensation
$87k-$120k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Pay: $87,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Job Description
School-Based Occupational Therapist | Oakland Area
At Ascend Rehab Services, our mission is simple—grow, learn, and develop alongside the children and families we serve. We believe every day holds the possibility of a miracle, and our team is passionate about making a meaningful impact through collaboration, compassion, and clinical excellence.
We are currently seeking an Occupational Therapist to join our school-based team in the Walnut Creek / Concord area, working with students across K–12 settings.
What You’ll Do
Conduct pediatric occupational therapy assessments to evaluate students’ functional abilities, including fine/gross motor skills, sensory integration, and daily living skills
- Provide individual and group therapy to address sensory-motor needs and support student development
- Develop and implement IEP goals focused on fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, and functional independence
- Collaborate with teachers, SLPs, psychologists, and other school staff to support student success
- Recommend and implement assistive technology and accommodations
- Maintain accurate documentation, progress reports, and compliance with school and state guidelines
- Participate in IEP meetings and communicate effectively with families and staff members
Why Join Ascend
- Competitive salary + sign-on bonus
- Relocation assistance
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance)
- 401(k) with company match
- Multi-tiered clinical support and mentorship
- Generous PTO, paid holidays, and sick leave
- CEU support (in-house + reimbursement)
- Licensure and credential reimbursement
- Wellness incentives and employee recognition programs
- Career growth and leadership opportunities
- Laptop or iPad provided, with full access to in-office laminators and therapy resources
What We’re Looking For
- Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy
- Active California OT License (required)
- Experience or interest in working with pediatric/school-based populations
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
- Passion for supporting students with diverse learning and developmental needs
- Contact Neha at (408) 409 5697 or email at jobs@ascendrehabinc.com for more information.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct pediatric occupational therapy assessments and provide individual or group therapy to support student development. Collaborate with school staff and families to implement IEP goals and maintain accurate clinical documentation.
Requirements
Requires a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and an active California OT license. Candidates should have experience or interest in working with pediatric or school-based populations.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
Key Skills
Occupational Therapist Career Context
In California, the Occupational Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$117k (932 salary observations; 2,030 listings), vs ~$97k nationally (6,625 salary observations; 25,396 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-10-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$104k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $93k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Occupational Therapy pay on WeekdayDoc is up 1.5% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
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