Making Waves Academy

Occupational Therapist

Special Education - Richmond, CA - Full Time

Salary: $84,360 - $98,040 (32hrs.) | CalSTRS Retirement Eligible | Exempt

Richmond, CA (Making Waves Academy Campus) 

When you join the team, you’ll make connections matter.

At Making Waves Academy, we’re not just a school; we’re a network of support for the next generation of leaders. As our campus Occupational Therapist, you’ll be the sole expert driving motor development and sensory innovation. You’ll use your solution-finding skills to help students (Grades 5-12) overcome physical and sensory barriers, ensuring every "Wave Maker" in our student body has the tools to access their education and own their future.

What you’ll be doing:

You’ll be at the center of student success, moving across our multi-building campus to provide high-touch, "push-in" support where it matters most—in the natural classroom environment.

  • Driving Outcomes: Leading initial and triennial evaluations to determine eligibility and developing SMART goals that translate directly to academic wins.
  • Problem Solving: Implementing sensory regulation strategies and fine-motor interventions that keep students in a "ready-to-learn" state.
  • Innovating with Tech: Training students on Assistive Technology (AT) and adaptive equipment to bridge the gap between disability and independence.
  • Collaborating for Impact: Partnering with General Education teachers to integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and educating parents on how to carry therapeutic gains into the home.
  • Compliance & Excellence: Maintaining accurate digital service logs (SEIS) and ensuring we remain a leader in Section 504 and IDEA compliance.

What we’re looking for...

You’ll need to have:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
  • A valid license from the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT).

Even better if you have:

  • Previous experience in a California school-based setting.
  • A passion for supporting first-generation students and families from historically underserved communities.
  • Proficiency with IEP management software (SEIS, SIRAS, or PowerSchool).
  • The ability to translate complex physiological concepts into "people-first" language that parents and staff can easily understand.

Why work here?

This is more than a job; it’s a career that moves the brand of "educational equity" forward. As a CalSTRS retirement-eligible employee, you’ll find a culture that values your expertise as the sole motor development authority on campus. You’ll be encouraged to participate in the life of the school—from competitions to assemblies—because we believe we’re at our best when we’re connected.

Making Waves Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact our People Operations team.


 
Apply: Occupational Therapist
* Required fields
First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Location
Phone number*
Resume*

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or paste resume

Paste your resume here or attach resume file

Looking back at your entire professional journey, identify the one personal or professional moment that most clearly defined your current career trajectory and instilled in you the belief that working at Making Waves Academy for historically underrepresented students is the critical next step in your life’s work. How does this moment prove that you are uniquely motivated to be an indispensable part of our community and mission?*
Have you ever worked for Making Waves Academy?*
Are you a graduate of Making Waves Academy (former Wave-Maker)?*
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? (A job offer will be contingent upon providing documentation of your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.)*
Making Waves Academy currently does not offer employment visa sponsorship. Will you now, or at any time in the future, require employment visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States?*
By checking the box below, I certify that all information provided in this application is truthful. I also understand giving false or misleading information on this application, my resume, or during the interview can lead to disqualification from the hiring process or termination if already hired.*
The following questions are entirely optional.
To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.
Gender
Race/Ethnicity
Human Check*