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Occupational Therapy Program Director Jobs in Riverside, CA

Be Seen First

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 ...

Be Seen First

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 ...

Reserve Occupational Therapist

Anaheim, CA

$42.25 - $55.50/hr

... Therapy program focused on maximizing military readiness, health living, and performance optimization ★ For pre-occupational therapy students there is a full-tuition scholarship opportunity for an ...

Reserve Occupational Therapist

Irvine, CA

$43.25 - $57/hr

... Therapy program focused on maximizing military readiness, health living, and performance optimization ★ For pre-occupational therapy students there is a full-tuition scholarship opportunity for an ...

Reserve Occupational Therapist

Corona, CA

$41.50 - $54.75/hr

... Therapy program focused on maximizing military readiness, health living, and performance optimization ★ For pre-occupational therapy students there is a full-tuition scholarship opportunity for an ...

Showing results 21-40

Occupational Therapy Program Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$47.5K

$80.3K

$118.4K

How much do occupational therapy program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for occupational therapy program director in Riverside, CA is $80,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,800.00 and $92,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an occupational therapy program director do?

An occupational therapy program director oversees staff and sets guidelines for occupational therapy (OT) programs. In this career, your duties include developing patient treatment plans, creating strategies to improve OT programs, and handling administrative functions such as budgeting, reports, and documentation. Your responsibilities may also include teaching staff members and patients the proper techniques to use during OT, implementing steps to reach program goals, and coordinating with other departments. An occupational therapy program director may work at a school with an OT program or in a clinical setting.

What does an occupational therapy program director do?

An Occupational Therapy Program Director is responsible for overseeing the administrative, academic, and operational aspects of an occupational therapy educational program. This includes developing curriculum, ensuring accreditation standards are met, managing faculty and staff, and supporting student outcomes. They also foster relationships with clinical sites and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Their leadership ensures the program prepares students to become skilled occupational therapists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an occupational therapy program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Occupational Therapy Program Director, you need advanced knowledge of occupational therapy practices, leadership experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy or a related field. Familiarity with accreditation standards, curriculum development software, and educational management systems is often required. Strong communication, organizational, and mentoring skills help foster faculty development and ensure student success. These competencies are vital for maintaining program quality, meeting accreditation requirements, and leading teams effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by occupational therapy program directors in managing both academic and administrative responsibilities?

Occupational Therapy Program Directors often juggle academic leadership, such as curriculum development and faculty mentoring, alongside administrative tasks like compliance, accreditation, and budgeting. Balancing these responsibilities while ensuring high educational standards and supporting student success can be challenging. Program Directors also regularly collaborate with university leadership, clinical partners, and accreditation bodies, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. Successfully managing these diverse duties provides valuable experience and opportunities for career advancement within academic administration.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy Program Director vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectOccupational Therapy Program DirectorOccupational Therapist
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensure, and often administrative certificationsMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensure
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, academic settings, program administrationClinical settings, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesOverseeing OT education programs, curriculum development, faculty coordinationProviding direct patient care, therapy assessments, treatment planning

The Occupational Therapy Program Director focuses on managing and developing OT education programs, requiring administrative skills and academic credentials. In contrast, an Occupational Therapist provides hands-on patient care, utilizing clinical skills to improve clients' daily functioning. Both roles require OT licensure and a strong understanding of therapy practices, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Occupational Therapy Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy Program Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,255 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Occupational Therapist - 40 Hours/10 Months (Outside Candidates)

Irvine Unified School District

Irvine, CA • On-site

$8.6K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 5 days ago


Irvine Unified School District rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 634 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

About the Employer
The Irvine Unified School District comprises a diverse population of more than 36,000 PK-12 students in one early childhood learning center, 24 elementary schools, five K-8 schools, six middle schools, five high schools and one alternative high school. IUSD schools have been nationally recognized for comprehensive programs in academics, the arts, and athletics.
Job Description / Essential Elements:
Under the supervision of the Director-Special Education, provides educationally related assessment, consultation and direct or indirect occupational therapy treatment and services to identified students with special needs; attends and participates in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings and serves a part of a multi-disciplinary team; prepares records, assessments, treatment plans, reports and billings; performs related work as required.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: master's degree from an approved occupational therapy program consistent with licensing requirements and some work experience with school-aged children including working in a variety of settings including school, home, and clinic, and working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Training in sensory integration testing and techniques and experience working collaboratively with families are desirable.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Valid Board certification from the National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Valid License from the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT).
• Valid California Class C drivers' license.
Please click on the following link for a complete job description for the Occupational Therapist position.
https://iusd.org/sites/default/files/occupational_therapist.pdf
Requirements / Qualifications
  • Certification (Please attach proof of Occupational Therapy certification and license.)
  • Resume (Complete applications include a resume, certification and at least 2 references on the application.)

Comments and Other Information
IUSD offers a comprehensive health benefits program for employees who work 30 hours or more per week. The district pays most of the cost of medical, dental and vision insurance for all eligible employees.
Req# 5848

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