Occupational Therapist

Career Links; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Job summary

Career Links is seeking a dedicated and student-focused School-Based Occupational Therapist to provide services to students in Washington State. The OT will evaluate, develop, and implement individualized therapy programs that support academic achievement, functional independence, and participation in educational activities.

You will collaborate with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams, participate in IEP meetings, and ensure services comply with IDEA and district procedures.

Qualifications

• OT degree from an accredited OT program.
• Current Washington OT license.
• ESA Certificate eligibility or possession.
• NBCOT examination completed.
• Pass background checks and district clearance.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and assessments.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Provide direct and consultative OT services in educational settings.
• Participate in IEP meetings and report progress.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and related service providers.
• Maintain accurate documentation, treatment notes, and compliance records.
• Recommend adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, and classroom accommodations.
• Monitor student progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, district, and professional practice standards.

Skills

OT evaluation

Treatment planning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Documentation

Communication

Education

OT degree (BA/MA/DA)

Tools

Assistive technology

Job description

School-Based Occupational Therapist

Full-Time | 2026-2027 School Year | Competitive Salary Based on Experience + Benefits + Sign-On Bonus Potential

Position Summary

Career Links is seeking a dedicated and student-focused Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide school-based services to students in Washington State. The Occupational Therapist will evaluate, develop, and implement individualized therapy programs that support students' academic achievement, functional independence, and participation in educational activities. The OT will collaborate with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure students receive appropriate services in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and assessments.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on student needs.
• Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services in educational settings.
• Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to goal development and progress reporting.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and related service providers.
• Maintain accurate documentation, treatment notes, and compliance records.
• Recommend adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, and classroom accommodations.
• Monitor student progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, district, and professional practice standards.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited Occupational Therapy program.
• Current Washington State Occupational Therapist License issued by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
• Eligibility for or possession of a Washington Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate as a School Occupational Therapist.
• Successful completion of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination.
• Ability to pass required background checks and district clearance requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.

Preferred

• Previous pediatric or school-based occupational therapy experience.
• Experience working with students receiving special education services.
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, and special education procedures.
• Experience with assistive technology and adaptive equipment.

Washington State Credential Requirements

Qualified candidates must meet Washington State requirements for School Occupational Therapists, including:

• Valid Washington State Occupational Therapist license.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)-approved occupational therapy program.
• Eligibility for a Washington School Occupational Therapist ESA Certificate.
• Completion of the Professional Transitions to Public Schools course or other approved ESA certification pathway as required by Washington State.
• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance eligibility.
• Licensure and credentialing support.
• Relocation assistance and sign-on bonus available for qualified candidates.

Join Our Team

Career Links is committed to connecting skilled therapy professionals with meaningful opportunities that positively impact students' educational success. If you are passionate about helping children develop the skills needed to thrive in school and everyday life,

Career Links is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.