Occupational Therapist

Richmond, CA

Full Time

Special Education

Entry Level

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.

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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?*

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Join the Wave: Careers at Making Waves Academy

Welcome to the career page for Making Waves Academy (MWA), a free, public charter school in Richmond, California.

We are more than a school; we are a powerful system committed to rigorously preparing students with the education, career skills, and financial freedom needed to meet their goals and thrive.

If you are mission-driven and dedicated to closing the achievement gap, you belong on our team.

Why MWA is an Exceptional Place to Work

Our culture and integrated model ensure you can make the deepest possible impact while building your own thriving career:

Life-Changing Impact: Work directly with students who achieve phenomenal results. We boast a 100% A-G completion rate and a college graduation rate of 76% (far surpassing national peers).

Growth-Oriented Culture: We invest in your development through dedicated professional learning and collaborative structures. You'll find a supportive, diverse team culture committed to continuous improvement.

Competitive Compensation: We offer a highly competitive salary scale and comprehensive benefits, recognizing the excellence and dedication required to achieve our extraordinary mission.

Ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of our Wave-Makers? Explore our open positions below!