Occupational Therapist - School Based
Listed compensation
$80k-$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: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
- Job Location: Santa Clara County
- School-Based Occupational Therapist or COTA | Multiple Bay Area Locations
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 Santa Clara County, 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
- If this sounds like a great fit, please contact Scarlett at (510) 362-0834 or talent@ascendrehabinc.com
Key Responsibilities
The Occupational Therapist will conduct pediatric assessments and provide individual or group therapy to support student development in K-12 settings. They will also collaborate with school staff to develop IEP goals and implement necessary accommodations.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and possess an active California OT License. Experience or a strong interest in working with pediatric or school-based populations is required.
Key Skills
Occupational Therapist Career Context
In California, the Occupational Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$117k (745 salary observations; 2,304 listings), vs ~$97k nationally (5,279 salary observations; 29,546 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-11-01; 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 ~$100k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $90k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $80k–$120k | Occupational Therapy median $102k (middle half $98k–$120k)22 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| California vs national | $117k median in California | $97k nationally (+21%)745 state / 5,279 national salary observations |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$90k in purchasing power | California index 110.7 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Occupational Therapy listings in California | 882 active | 9,004 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 4% remote · 30% no call · 62% no weekends47 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | sign-on bonus | California occupational therapist listings (all specialties): 15% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 5% offer loan repayment938 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Occupational Therapy listings | 3,212 in the last 30 days | 1,658 the 30 days before (+94%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Occupational Therapy pay trend | +4.1% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
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