Physical therapist jobs in Berkeley, CA

🟢 Starting Salary: $85,000 - $100,000 /year PLUS $5,000 Sign-on Bonus AND $2,000 Annual Education Stipend 🏫 Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12 Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Occupational Therapist to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction! If you have a proactive mindset and thrive in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment where meaningful outcomes and functional independence are at the heart of everything you do - We Should Talk! 📲 As an Occupational Therapist, you will provide direct therapy to students in Grades K-12 with special needs including but not limited to development, implementation and maintenance of designated instructional programs, conducting regular assessments, and developing or adjusting individualized education plan (IEP) goals as needed. ‖ Responsibilities Include: Implementing student-specific occupational therapy services as outlined in each Individualized Education Program (IEP), including adherence to frequency, duration, and service location requirements. Completing comprehensive assessment reports within state- and district-mandated timelines to support data-driven educational planning. Communicating evaluation results and individualized therapy recommendations to families, educational staff, students (as appropriate), and related agencies, with appropriate consent from the student's legal guardian. Planning and developing targeted therapeutic goals that are educationally relevant and seamlessly integrated into each student's academic program. Conducting ongoing reassessments and modifying therapy objectives based on evolving student needs and progress toward educational outcomes. Monitoring the fidelity of therapy implementation and collaborating with and training educators, paraprofessionals, and other support staff involved in occupational therapy interventions. Documenting student progress through timely and accurate reporting in alignment with district standards and program guidelines. Participating in IEP meetings to share data-informed insights, progress updates, and goal recommendations to support individualized planning. Creating a supportive, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment tailored to each student's sensory, physical, and cognitive needs. Evaluating progress toward therapy goals and determining when students are ready to transition from or discontinue occupational therapy services. Facilitating professional development sessions and in-service trainings to enhance the capacity of occupational therapy staff and interdisciplinary team members. Participating in training school personnel on the effective use of assistive technology and adaptive equipment, while maintaining proper documentation of use and outcomes. Attending and actively engaging in all required team meetings, trainings, and professional collaboration forums. Performing additional duties as assigned, contributing positively to the overall success of the student services team. ‖ Qualifications Required: Master's degree or higher in occupational therapy or a closely related field of study. Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a state occupational therapy (OT) credential. Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management (PCM) training. Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in providing occupational therapy services, preferably in an educational or classroom setting. Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with severe learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities. Prior experience and/or knowledge in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's). Proven success in developing and implementing effective treatment plans for students with diverse needs. Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals. Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff members, students, parents and the public. Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability. Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment. Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, the nation's leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives! 💻 Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below: ******************************** At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here - where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education! ‖ Perks and Benefits Include: Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans Annual Education Stipend - $2,000 FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance Company Paid Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts Personal Protection Insurance Plans Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program Legal Services Insurance Pet Health Insurance Accrual-based Paid Time Off School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy 401k Retirement Saving Plan Perks at Work Employee Discount Program Opportunities for Growth & Development And So Much More! If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future - This Is Your Chance! Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential! Careers, With ChanceLight 💙 Work. With Purpose. Copyright © 2025 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status. EducationRequired Masters or better in Occupational Therapy or related field Licenses & CertificationsRequired Active or In Process Occupational Therapist SkillsRequired Occupational Therapy Teacher Mentoring/Training Record Keeping & Reporting Crisis Intervention Developmental Disabilities Behavioral Disorders Learning Disabilities Autism Student Development Individualized Education Programs (IEP) Performance Motivation Student Coaching/Mentorship Personalized Instruction Academic Support Decision Making Attention to Detail Interdepartmental Collaboration Communication Interpersonal Skills Computer Skills Preferred Special Education Elementary Education Middle School Education High School Education BehaviorsPreferred Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject MotivationsPreferred Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.