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Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) - School-Based
Full-Time | The Helix School | Bay Area, CA
The Helix School is seeking a Full-Time, Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) to join our school-based special education program serving autistic students ages 5-22 across the Bay Area. This role combines direct therapy, evaluation, IEP development, and interdisciplinary collaboration in a relationship-centered, neurodiversity-affirming school environment.
The position reports to the Clinical Director and includes opportunities to supervise a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and occupational therapy fieldwork students. Participation in Extended School Year (June-July) is required.
About The Helix School
The Helix School is a Cognia-accredited nonpublic school (NPS) specializing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodivergent profiles, serving students from kindergarten through age 22 across the San Francisco Bay Area. Guided by the mission to "guide autistic children to lead fulfilling and connected lives," The Helix School has grown from two students at its founding in 2014 to a thriving learning community of over 60 students, the majority of whom are funded by their local public school districts. Partnering with families and districts across the Bay Area, the School navigates the full complexity of the NPS landscape, including IEPs, district contracts, and the regulatory framework that governs publicly funded special education placements.
What makes The Helix School distinctive is its interdisciplinary model: clinical services, including occupational therapy and speech-language pathology, are embedded directly alongside teaching faculty, creating an integrated team that works in concert around each student. The integrated curriculum is tailored to each student's developmental level, sensory processing differences, and emotional-regulatory needs, with an emphasis on motivation, kinesthetic, and sensory-based learning. The Helix School partners with families and school districts to deliver educational programming that is responsive, relationship-driven, and rooted in the belief that every learner deserves a path forward.
The Helix School exists to create a learning environment where autistic and neurodivergent students are known, valued, and challenged to grow. Through individualized instruction, evidence-based practices, and a whole-child approach, The Helix School cultivates academic progress, social-emotional development, and the confidence students need to build meaningful, self-directed lives. The School's work is guided by care, high expectations, and an unwavering commitment to each student's potential. Learn more at: www.thehelixschool.org
Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct occupational therapy services (approximately 70% of role)
• Conduct evaluations and write reports in accordance with IEP timelines
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans
• Complete OT components of IEPs (present levels, goals, progress reports)
• Maintain timely and compliant documentation
• Collaborate with teachers, aides, specialists, and families
• Support classroom teams with sensory, motor, and executive functioning strategies
• Participate in IEP meetings and interdisciplinary team meetings
• Supervise and support a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
• Supervise Level I and/or Level II OT fieldwork students as needed

Qualifications

• Active California Occupational Therapist license (OTR/L)
• 3-5 years of experience working with autistic or neurodivergent students (preferred)
• School-based or pediatric experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with sensory integration, assistive technology, and IEPs
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Passion for supporting neurodivergent learners

Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
This position requires direct physical interaction with students who may, at times, exhibit dysregulated behaviors such as hitting, kicking, scratching, biting, grabbing, spitting, or throwing objects. The employee must be physically able to respond safely, calmly, and effectively in these situations. Training in approved behavioral intervention techniques will be provided, and ongoing support is available.
Mobility & Physical Activity

• Walk approximately 2 to 3 miles over the course of a school day

• Stand for at least 50% of the workday
• Run a short distance (e.g., across a classroom or outdoor area) when a student safety situation requires it
• Climb stairs and sustain physical activity across a full school day
• Rise quickly from a seated, kneeling, or floor position
• Bend, stoop, squat, kneel, and crouch repeatedly throughout the day
• Sit at a child's level on the floor and return to standing without assistance
• Maintain balance while supporting or redirecting a moving student

Strength & Physical Capability

• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs
• Push and pull doors or equipment as needed

Sensory & Communication

• Maintain visual supervision of students across a room or yard with line of sight at all times
• Hear well enough to monitor the environment and respond to calls for help
• Communicate clearly in spoken and written English

Emotional & Behavioral Regulation

• Maintain professional composure and emotional regulation when subjected to verbal hostility, including profanity, slurs, derogatory or personal remarks, and other provocative language
• Maintain composure and self-regulation during stressful, unpredictable, or confrontational situations

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: commensurate with experience
• 32 paid holidays during the academic year (mid-August to mid-July)
• Mid-July to mid-August fully paid time off
• 5 paid sick days
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (75% employer-paid)
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Support for continuing education and credential maintenance

Why Join The Helix School?

• Manageable caseloads that allow meaningful relationships
• A deeply collaborative, interdisciplinary team
• Therapy integrated into the school day-not siloed
• Exceptional work-life balance with significant paid time off
• A mission-driven community where students are celebrated

If you're an Occupational Therapist who values connection, balance, collaboration, and meaningful impact, Helix may be the place for you.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Helix School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors and clients.