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Independent Contractor Occupational Therapist Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Occupational Therapist (Independent Contractor) Chiu Chiu Train Therapy is seeking a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide pediatric evaluation and intervention services to infants and young ...

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Occupational Therapist (Independent Contractor) Chiu Chiu Train Therapy is seeking a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide pediatric evaluation and intervention services to infants and young ...

Be Seen First

Occupational Therapist (Independent Contractor) Chiu Chiu Train Therapy is seeking a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide pediatric evaluation and intervention services to infants and young ...

Be Seen First

Occupational Therapist (Independent Contractor) Chiu Chiu Train Therapy is seeking a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide pediatric evaluation and intervention services to infants and young ...

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Independent Contractor Occupational Therapist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$24

$47

$69

How much do independent contractor occupational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor occupational therapist in Riverside, CA is $47.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.38 and $53.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor occupational therapist?

An Independent Contractor Occupational Therapist is a licensed professional who provides occupational therapy services on a contract basis rather than as an employee of a single organization. They typically work with multiple clients or organizations, offering assessments, therapy, and rehabilitation services to help individuals develop or regain daily living and work skills. Independent contractors have more flexibility in choosing assignments and often manage their own schedules, billing, and business operations. This arrangement requires them to handle taxes, insurance, and compliance with state licensing regulations independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor occupational therapist?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Occupational Therapist, you need a degree in occupational therapy, national certification (NBCOT), and state licensure, along with strong clinical assessment and intervention skills. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), billing software, and telehealth platforms is often required for managing patient documentation and remote sessions. Outstanding time management, communication, and self-motivation are crucial soft skills for building client relationships and handling the autonomy of contract work. These skills and qualities enable effective patient care, ensure compliance, and support the successful management of an independent practice.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor occupational therapists, and how can they be managed?

Independent contractor occupational therapists often encounter challenges such as managing their own schedules, handling administrative tasks like billing and documentation, and ensuring a steady flow of clients. Unlike traditional employment, independent contractors are responsible for their own business development and must navigate variable workloads. Many therapists find success by leveraging digital tools for scheduling and record-keeping, networking with local healthcare providers, and setting clear boundaries to maintain work-life balance. Staying organized and proactive in communication is key to thriving in this role.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Occupational Therapist vs Staff Occupational Therapist?

AspectIndependent Contractor Occupational TherapistStaff Occupational Therapist
CredentialsRequires OT license, possibly additional certificationsRequires OT license, state-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, contracts with multiple facilitiesEmployed directly by a healthcare facility or organization
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in outpatient clinics, schools, home healthCommon in hospitals, clinics, schools
Work FlexibilityHigh flexibility, sets own scheduleFixed schedule, less flexibility

In summary, Independent Contractor Occupational Therapists operate independently, often contracting with multiple facilities and enjoying flexible schedules. In contrast, Staff Occupational Therapists are employed directly by organizations with fixed hours. Both roles require valid OT credentials and serve similar industries, but differ mainly in employment structure and work flexibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Independent Contractor Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Independent Contractor Occupational Therapist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Independent Contractor Occupational Therapist job openings:

Licensed Occupational Therapist (Independent Contractor)

Chiu Chiu Train Therapy

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Per diem

Posted 4 days ago

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Job description

Occupational Therapist (Independent Contractor)


Chiu Chiu Train Therapy is seeking a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide pediatric evaluation and intervention services to infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities through California’s Early Start Program and other approved funding sources.


Responsibilities

  • Conduct pediatric OT evaluations and assessments, including fine motor, sensory, visual motor, self-help, adaptive, and feeding/oral motor skills as appropriate.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans based on evaluations, family priorities, and IFSP outcomes.
  • Provide evidence-based therapy in children’s natural environments, including homes, daycares, and community settings.
  • Address developmental skills such as fine motor, sensory processing, play, motor planning, feeding, self-help, and adaptive functioning.
  • Provide caregiver education, coaching, and home-program recommendations.
  • Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, billing, and required reports.
  • Collaborate with families, Service Coordinators, physicians, and other professionals.
  • Maintain HIPAA, mandated reporting, ethical, licensing, and regulatory compliance.
  • Independently manage caseloads and exercise clinical judgment within the scope of California OT practice.

Qualifications

  • Current, unrestricted California Occupational Therapist License.
  • Graduate of an accredited occupational therapy program.
  • Current pediatric CPR/First Aid certification.
  • Current TB clearance and required background clearance.
  • Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and required auto insurance.
  • Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage a caseload.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Pediatric occupational therapy experience.
  • Experience with California Early Start, Regional Centers, or Infant Development Programs.
  • Experience working with developmental delays, autism, sensory processing differences, or feeding difficulties.
  • Family coaching experience.
  • Bilingual skills, particularly Spanish or Mandarin.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Services are primarily provided in natural environments and may require traveling between client homes, childcare settings, and community locations. The role may involve sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, working on the floor, and assisting or positioning children during therapy.

Independent Contractor


This is an independent contractor position. The Occupational Therapist is responsible for maintaining all required licenses, certifications, insurance, transportation, and tax obligations. The therapist maintains independent clinical judgment while collaborating with Chiu Chiu Train Therapy on referrals, scheduling, authorizations, documentation, and quality assurance.