School-Based Occupational Therapist
Santa Maria, CA
Jackson Therapy Partners
5x8 hrs

Are you a school based OT seeking a rewarding local role or an engaging travel opportunity on California's central coast. Located just minutes from stunning beaches and scenic vineyards plus mild climate year round. Enjoy easy access to hiking, wine country, and the Pacific Ocean, while benefiting from a lower cost of living in California. Join our team for a school-based contract assignment where you will focus on student communication and academic progress while receiving support for professional growth.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited educational program.
• Active State OT license is required to start the assignment.
• BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross may be required.

What You'll Do:

• Provide occupational therapy services in a school-based setting.
• Conduct evaluations and assessments to identify student needs and functional performance levels.
• Develop, write, and implement individualized education program (IEP) goals and therapy plans aligned with educational objectives.
• Deliver individual and group therapy interventions focused on fine motor, sensory processing, visual motor, self-care, and functional classroom participation.
• Collaborate with teachers, special educators, parents, speech therapists, school psychologists, and multidisciplinary school teams.
• Provide consultative and classroom-based strategies to support student access and participation.
• Document services, progress, and compliance with district, state, and federal regulations in assigned systems and formats.
• Participate in IEP meetings and communicate progress with families and school personnel.

Benefits Designed for You

We value your commitment to impacting students. We offer a comprehensive benefits package starting your first day as a travel OT or in a local contract.

• Weekly, on-time pay
• Full medical benefits and 401k matching plan.
• 24/7 recruiter support by text, phone, or email.
• Competitive referral bonuses.
• 100% paid housing available for travel contracts.
• Travel and license reimbursement on travel contracts.

Why You'll Love Working with Us

As an Occupational Therapist you will experience flexibility, stability, and career development. Get full-time pay, benefits, and relocation assistance in travel OT assignments, or choose from direct hire, temp-to-hire, local, and travel contract opportunities.

• Nationwide Opportunities: Local and travel positions across the U.S.
• Competitive Advocacy: We advocate for strong pay packages and flexible working terms.
• Supportive Culture: Dedicated support staff, clinical guidance, and a collaborative community.
• Career Support: Assistance securing positions and negotiating terms at no cost to you.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral).
• Active California OT license required to begin assignment in Santa Maria, CA.
• Experience working in school-based OT settings preferred. Candidates without school experience must demonstrate transferable pediatric, developmental, or educational experience.
• Experience conducting evaluations, writing IEP goals, and participating in IEP meetings required.
• Proficiency with school documentation systems and regulations (IEP documentation, IDEA compliance) preferred.
• BLS certification from AHA or ARC may be required prior to start. This is client specific; if required, it will be communicated during onboarding.
• Clear background check and ability to meet district-specific screening or clearance requirements.

Assignment Details

• Facility type: School.
• Shift name: Days.

Location Highlights

Explore Santa Maria, CA and the surrounding Central Coast region. The city is 20 miles from the Pacific coastline and 45 miles north of Santa Barbara, providing easy access to Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Santa Maria sits near the Santa Maria Valley wine region and is within a one-hour drive of Los Padres National Forest and several state parks, offering hiking, camping, and mountain biking options. The downtown Historic District features local dining and cultural events, and Highway 101 provides direct transit routes to Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo for weekend exploration. This location fits a suburban lifestyle with coastal and outdoor recreation opportunities within short drives.

EEO Statement

Jackson Healthcare and its family of companies are an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our associates.