Occupational Therapist School Based - $5,000 Sign On Bonus - La Crosse, WI
- $5,000 sign-on bonus
How this pay compares
This posting does not state an hourly rate. Open occupational therapist jobs in Wisconsin post a median of $47.50 an hour, the middle half $44–$47.75, across 38 jobs that state their pay. Occupational therapists employed in Wisconsin earn a median of $44.42 an hour (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
Occupational therapists in Wisconsin: pay by town and employer
Licensed in another state?
Wisconsin issues and accepts OT Compact privileges: an occupational therapist or OT assistant whose home state is a member can take this job on a compact privilege instead of a Wisconsin license. (Occupational Therapy Compact Commission, 9 Nov 2026.) For a Wisconsin license, apply to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services for a license by endorsement ($75, by its own page): what Wisconsin asks. Every state's OT Compact status.
What Wisconsin requires of an occupational therapist
Occupational therapist license, from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
- Applicants with a current, active OT credential from another state (other than states the department lists as unavailable for reciprocity) apply by reciprocal licensure with a five-year practice history, verification of at least one active license sent directly by the other state board, a communicable diseases certification (Form 1229) and a passed open-book exam on Wisconsin statutes and code.
- Staying active: Licenses renew every two years by May 31 of odd-numbered years, with 24 continuing education points (hours) each two-year period, except in the first licensing period (Wis. Admin. Code ch. OT 3).
Occupational therapist jobs and requirements in Wisconsin · Every state's rule
Physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy jobs in our research
- How long these jobs stay listed: Still listed at 7 days 87.1%
- Applicant demand per open job on this site (1.00x is the average job): Index 0.21x · Clicks 25
- How often these jobs state their pay: Jobs stating any pay 52.9% · Stating an hourly rate 32.3%
From every open job we read and every apply click on this site, as of 11 Nov 2026. Every figure for Physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy jobs
About the job
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Chileda's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with cognitive and behavioral challenges. We help students build appropriate social behaviors and develop independent living skills through an enriched learning environment and individualized behavior programming.
We are currently seeking an Occupational Therapist to join our team.
Benefits
For full-time employees, Chileda offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Company paid life, short-term, and long-term disability
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Generous PTO, plus an additional two weeks of paid time off annually and ten paid holidays
- Professional development funds each year
Schedule - No Nights, Holidays, or Weekends!!
- Full-time, Monday through Friday
- Typical hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Position Summary
The Occupational Therapist evaluates and assesses student functioning in areas including sensory integration, cognition, psychosocial development, fine motor skills, and academics. Based on these evaluations, the OT develops and implements individualized treatment plans in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
This role works closely within an interdisciplinary team that may include speech-language pathologists, behavior staff (including Board Certified Behavior Analysts), and a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to ensure coordinated care.
The Occupational Therapists will use purposeful activities to support students' participation in:
- Self-care and daily living skills
- Academic and vocational activities
- Play and leisure
Services may include direct intervention, consultation, assistive technology, and environmental modifications. The OT collaborates closely with parents, teachers, and educational staff to support each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Education & Licensure Requirements
- Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program
- Current Wisconsin Occupational Therapy license or ability to in process of obtaining
- Certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy or in process of obtaining
- License through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction or in process of obtaining
Key Responsibilities
Evaluation & Planning
- Conduct assessments and interpret findings as part of the IEP team
- Develop appropriate, individualized intervention plans
Intervention
- Provide direct and indirect therapy services
- Address areas such as daily living skills, motor development, cognition, and psychosocial functioning
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Collaborate regularly with an interdisciplinary team, including speech therapy, behavior therapy professionals (such as BCBAs), educators, and a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
- Coordinate care plans to ensure consistency across therapeutic and educational environments
- Participate in team meetings to align strategies and support student success
Program Management
- Support special education planning processes
- Assist in establishing OT service procedures
- Supervise work of one Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Collaboration & Communication
- Work with educators, families, and staff to support student needs
- Provide training and resources to school personnel and families
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate service records and evaluation reports
- Participate in IEP meetings
- Adhere to professional, ethical, and legal standards
Chileda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
From Chileda Institute's job posting, checked 13 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Chileda Institute
Chileda Institute hires caregivers, mental health staff and therapists in La Crosse, Onalaska and Menasha in Wisconsin.
Hires in WisconsinPay on its listings: shown on each listing that states it
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