Travel Occupational Therapist Jobs

Occupational Therapist Jobs FAQs

How do I apply for a school-based OT job with Aya Education?

To apply for school-based OT jobs, start by registering with Aya and uploading a current resume to complete your profile. After you register, start searching for jobs in your Aya account. Apply your desired filters, then save the search to be notified when matching jobs open. When you see jobs you like, click “Save this job” to bookmark it for later, or click “Start application,” to notify a recruiter that you’re interested in the position. If your experience is a match, your recruiter will reach out to discuss the position and get your application submitted!

Does Aya Education offer school-based OT jobs nationwide?

Aya Education offers travel and local school-based OT jobs throughout the country. Whether you want to make an impact close to home or take on a travel adventure and explore a new city, we have jobs to meet your career needs. In your Aya account, you can filter your search by location to see what jobs are available. Most of our travel opportunities can be booked as a local contract. Your recruiter can provide specific rates if you’re interested in local jobs. Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, we offer mid- to full year contracts to candidates applying throughout the year. No matter what your needs are, we have options to make your dream career a reality.

What licensing or certification do I need to work as a school occupational therapist through Aya?

License requirements for occupational therapists vary by state and district. While an active state license is required to start working, some districts may allow you to apply while your license is still pending (as long as you have proof of application). Some states may require additional certifications, so your recruiter and assigned credentialing specialist will break down all the requirements and make the process as smooth as possible. For OTs interested in traveling to California or Washington, Aya makes it even easier by covering the cost of your license.

Can OTs who are new graduates or have never worked in a school setting apply for these jobs?

Yes, new graduates and OTs without school experience are encouraged to apply for our school-based OT jobs. Many of our districts are open to accepting OTs with diverse backgrounds and jobs that accept new grads will include “New graduates encouraged to apply!” in the job description when searching in your Aya account. For OTs coming from clinical backgrounds, your pediatric experience and transferable skills will make you a strong candidate for school roles. To help ease the transition, Aya also offers workers unlimited free CEUs through Medbridge to familiarize yourself with school-based practice areas and learn additional pediatric therapy techniques. Stepping into a school setting is a great opportunity to grow your skills, and Aya will be there to help you through the transition.

What kind of support does Aya Education give OTs during the job search and throughout the assignment?

Aya Education offers robust support for OTs from the start of their job search through every stage of their career. Here are a few ways you’ll receive support from your Aya team:

• Recruiter guidance: Your Aya recruiter is your personal career agent. They’ll listen to your goals and preferences and recommend jobs they think will be a good fit. Once you find a job you love, they’ll handle the logistics of submitting your application, prep you for the interview and negotiate contracts on your behalf. From day one, their goal is to help you build your dream career.
• Compliance assistance: After you accept an assignment, Aya’s credentialing team will streamline the compliance process to ensure you’re ready to go on your first day. From handling your paperwork to scheduling required appointments and staying up to date on your expiring credentials, they have your back when it comes to remaining compliant.
• On-assignment support: On top of walking you through the onboarding process, your Aya experience specialist will check in on you throughout the school to see how things are going. If you have any concerns or issues arise, they’ll be there to troubleshoot and ensure you’re satisfied with your assignment.
• Pay and benefits: As an Aya employee, you’ll be paid weekly for the hours you work. You’ll be assigned a dedicated payroll specialist to answer your questions and ensure you’re getting timely, accurate pay. On top of your paycheck, Aya also provides comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) plans, accrued sick time, to support you as you grow your career.

How long do school occupational therapy contracts last?

School OT assignments align with the typical school year. You can book mid-or full-year contracts. Either way, contracts typically run through the end of the school year. Full-year contracts usually start in August or September and end in May or June, depending on your district’s academic calendar. If the school has a need, shorter 13-week assignments may also be available. Your recruiter will go over the expected contract length and make sure you understand the time commitment required.

What are my options when my school-year OT contract ends? 

Your recruiter will reach out as the end of the school year approaches to discuss your next move. Depending on your school’s needs, you can choose to:

• Extend at your current school: If you enjoy working at your school and they have a continuing need for your position, you can often choose to extend your contract for the next year. Your recruiter will handle the logistics and update your contract terms as needed.
• Take a permanent position: An assignment might end up being the perfect fit for you, and if your school has a need for a permanent employee, they may offer you a position on their staff. Through Aya’s contract-to-permanent program, we’ll help you end your contract with us and transition to be a direct employee with the district.
• Start a new assignment: If you’re ready for a new adventure, your recruiter will be happy to help you find your next opportunity. Maybe you want to explore a new city or work with different grade levels? We’ll help you get where you want to go!

What is the interview process for school OT positions, and how can I prepare?

After your recruiter submits you for a school-based occupational therapy job, you will likely be asked to have a virtual interview with the district. The interview is a time for you to get a feel for the school and demonstrate your qualifications for the role. Common interview topics include:

• Past experience: Whether you’re coming from a school or clinical setting, be prepared to answer questions about your experience, particularly with children. If you’re a new grad, you can share examples from pediatric clinical experience or fieldwork. No matter what your background is, you can highlight any transferable skills that would apply to school OT roles.
• Approach to therapy: You’ll likely be asked questions about your planned approach to delivering OT services in an educational setting. Schools want to know you’re prepared to help students enhance their educational experience by combining therapy and classroom goals. You should be ready to show you’re prepared to integrate a student’s IEP goals into your treatment plan.
• Collaboration and communication: Collaboration with teachers, other therapists, parents and administrators is key to student success. Interviewers may ask questions about your experience working as part of a team. They’ll also want to know you’re capable of communicating treatment plans and difficult news to parents, as well as keeping classroom staff informed on your students’ progress. Demonstrating your strength as a team player and confident communicator will help you stand out in your interview.

Your recruiter will provide you with relevant information on the school you’re interviewing at and send a prep sheet to ensure you feel confident and ready to answer any questions that come your way. Schools look for strong OT training and experience but also want to see that you’re enthusiastic about helping students thrive. Be professional but also let your passion shine through to make a great first impression.