Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Full-Time Early Childhood & School-Age Occupational Therapist Needed Within an Interdisciplinary Practice The Center for Connection, founded and led by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, is hiring pediatric Occupational Therapists to join our flagship Pasadena office. Dr. Bryson, co-author (with Dr. Dan Siegel) of The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline , has helped bring the principles of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) to a wide audience of parents and professionals alike. The Center for Connection is built on this framework, offering clinicians the opportunity to practice within a relational, neurobiologically informed model, with ongoing opportunities for consultation, training, and collaboration with Dr. Bryson. Join our multidisciplinary, collaborative team to provide relationship-based, regulation-focused occupational therapy services to early childhood and school-age clients. Our model brings together professionals across disciplines—including mental health, speech and language, assessment, occupational therapy, and educational therapy—to support high-quality, coordinated care through close collaboration. This integrated approach allows clinicians to develop thoughtful, holistic interventions that prioritize connection, regulation, participation, and each child's unique developmental profile. The ideal candidate will be able to integrate sensory processing, nervous system regulation, neurodiversity-affirming practice, parent coaching, relational neuroscience, and interdisciplinary collaboration. For therapists who are curious, reflective, and committed to lifelong learning, the CFC offers a unique opportunity to grow within a highly collaborative interdisciplinary community while contributing to innovative, integrated care for children and families. To learn more about us, visit

ABOUT THE POSITION(S)

As an Early Childhood & School-Age Occupational Therapist, you will provide comprehensive occupational therapy services to a diverse population of pediatric clients. You will support children in developing the skills needed to participate more fully in daily routines, relationships, learning environments, and meaningful occupations. Within a holistic care framework, you will also provide parent/caregiver consultation and collaborate closely with other professionals involved in each child's care.

WHO THRIVES AT THE CENTER FOR CONNECTION

The occupational therapists who thrive at the CFC are curious, collaborative, and relationship-centered clinicians who view behavior through the lens of regulation, connection, and developmental needs rather than compliance. They are passionate about partnering with families, enjoy working within interdisciplinary teams, and are committed to neurodiversity-affirming care. Successful candidates are excited by the opportunity to integrate sensory, relational, developmental, and neuroscience-informed approaches while continually learning alongside colleagues from occupational therapy, mental health, speech-language pathology, educational therapy, and assessment.

RESPONSIBILITIES/OPPORTUNITIES

Provide occupational therapy evaluation, treatment, consultation, and caregiver coaching services for pediatric clients. Develop individualized intervention plans that support nervous system regulation, sensory processing, interoceptive awareness, emotional regulation, executive functioning, motor development, social participation, adaptive living skills, and participation across home, school, and community environments. Use relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and strengths-based approaches that honor each child's unique developmental profile while promoting regulation, engagement, autonomy, and meaningful participation. Collaborate closely with mental health therapists, speech-language pathologists, educational therapists, psychologists, physicians, educators, and other community providers. Provide consultation and support to parents and caregivers to strengthen their understanding of their child's developmental and sensory needs. Participate in regular continuing education opportunities to develop and strengthen your clinical skills. Attend Monday team meetings for opportunities to learn and connect with our multidisciplinary team and receive ongoing case consultation and collaboration with experienced professionals, including Dr. Bryson. Collaborate with schools and educational teams, including participation in school observations, consultation, and support around IEP-related needs when appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy and be licensed (or license-eligible) as an Occupational Therapist in the State of California. Demonstrate experience working with infants, children, adolescents, and families across a range of developmental profiles and support needs. Have experience supporting Autistic children and other neurodivergent populations through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Have a strong foundation in sensory processing, sensory integration theory, nervous system regulation, and child development. Support children with sensory processing differences, emotional and behavioral challenges, executive functioning difficulties, learning differences, developmental delays, trauma histories, anxiety, and co-occurring diagnoses. Familiarity with Interpersonal Neurobiology and the work of Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Dr. Dan Siegel preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly when collaborating with families, educators, physicians, and multidisciplinary professionals. Demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and neurodiversity-affirming care. Candidates who can offer bilingual services are strongly encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience Comfortable and personalized office space in Pasadena, CA Continued training and support from Dr. Bryson, as well as fellow colleagues from a diverse range of professional backgrounds Annual continuing education and materials funds Employee benefits, including medical, disability, and life insurance Clinical mentorship and interdisciplinary consultation Please visit for a full list of benefits.

TIMING

Hiring immediately for the right candidate, but we have flexibility as well. The Center for Connection is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and equity.As we promote connection among individuals and groups, we also celebrate differences and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better we can serve our community, encouraging both meaningful linkage and healthy differentiation. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Center for Connection