Occupational Therapist at Orange County Department of Education
About the Employer
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County’s most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE’s vision is that “Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success.” Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations.
Job Summary
Job Summary
The Orange County Department of Education is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to join its educational team in supporting students with disabilities. This role involves assessing student abilities, developing individualized therapy plans aligned with IEP goals, and providing both direct and consultative services. The therapist will document progress, collaborate with families and school staff, participate in IEP meetings, and offer guidance to therapy assistants and interns. This full-time position requires travel and will primarily serve two school sites: Mann Special Classes in Anaheim and Hillview in Santa Ana.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Master’s degree from an occupational therapy program accredited by the American Medical Association. • Valid license to practice as an Occupational Therapist in the state of California. • Current certification issued by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). • One (1) year of recent, full-time equivalent, school-based occupational therapy experience working with children with severe and physical disabilities, including pediatrics and sensory motor evaluation and training. There are supplemental questions in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. Please elaborate on your experience and training in an educational setting with students with moderate-to-severe disabilities and/or students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. 2. Describe your experience with the assessment of students with the most significant needs. In your response, include the types of tools and assessments you have used. 3. Describe your experience in collaboratively developing IEP goals for students with the most significant disabilities.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Master’s degree from an occupational therapy program accredited by the American Medical Association. • Valid license to practice as an Occupational Therapist in the state of California. • Current certification issued by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). • One (1) year of recent, full-time equivalent, school-based occupational therapy experience working with children with severe and physical disabilities, including pediatrics and sensory motor evaluation and training. There are supplemental questions in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. Please elaborate on your experience and training in an educational setting with students with moderate-to-severe disabilities and/or students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. 2. Describe your experience with the assessment of students with the most significant needs. In your response, include the types of tools and assessments you have used. 3. Describe your experience in collaboratively developing IEP goals for students with the most significant disabilities.
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to re-open, re-advertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to re-open, re-advertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Application Deadline
6/23/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Date Posted
6/9/2025
Contact
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$9,317 - $11,348 Monthly
$9,317 - $11,348 Monthly
Add'l Salary Info
Classified Management Range 26 - Placement based on education and years of experience.
Length of Work Year
205
Employment Type
Full Time
Benefits
We provide a safe, caring, courteous, and professional environment that fosters collaborative work and individual development for employees. OCDE offers generous, comprehensive, tax-free insurance benefits options to full-time members of the staff. Benefits may be prorated for employees working fewer than 12 months per year or less than full-time. Benefits packages include medical, dental, and vision care insurance for employees and their eligible dependents, and life insurance for employees.