Occupational Therapist

3 days ago


Oak Brook IL, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools summary:

An Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools helps students with special needs improve their participation in educational activities by providing tailored therapy and support. They evaluate students and collaborate with teachers and parents to develop individualized education programs aimed at enhancing self-care skills, motor planning, and safety in the school environment. Through direct interventions and environmental modifications, they foster students' independence and facilitate access to necessary resources, ensuring vital support for their educational journey.

Description:

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child—in every school and every neighborhood—has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school college- and career-ready.

Under the IDEA an occupational therapist provides services to a student within their least restrictive environment to help each student benefit from his or her special education program. Occupational therapy services address performance within an educational context, including classroom lessons and activities, self-help skills, prevocational and vocational activities, play and leisure, and social skills. Outcomes are directed toward improved student participation in the general education curriculum, access to the school environment, and participation in extracurricular activities.

The OT evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews. OTs interpret assessment findings and appropriately communicate information to parents and school teams through written and oral means. The OT collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students’ unique needs.

The position will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

  • Improving manipulative skills for self-care and paper/pencil tasks through reach, grasp and dexterity.
  • Enhancing school transitions and participation in educational activities by providing environmental accommodations.
  • Enhancing comfort, participation and attending by maintaining functional postures.
  • Increasing functional use of hands and visual regard by providing stable positions.
  • Ensuring independence in feeding for safety and nourishment.
  • Facilitating safety in the school environment by decreasing the possibility of injury to student’s self or others as he/she moves or performs skills/tasks.
  • Improving success for small muscle school tasks by increasing coordination of eye-hand movements.
  • Facilitating access to and mobility within school by assessing and changing the environment.
  • Increasing functional use of extremities through use of adapted equipment.
  • Enhancing ability to learn through sensorimotor activities that address motor planning, attending and behavior issues.
  • Promoting competency and safety of educational staff in body mechanics, handling techniques, motor skills and classroom adaptations.
  • Facilitating student’s independence through access to assistive technology.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Occupational Therapist must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required :

The OT must pass the National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy. OT must hold a current and active Illinois license to practice as issued by the IL Department of Professional Regulations. This license must be renewed every two years upon payment on or before December 31 st of given renewal year. In addition, the IL OT practice act mandates 24 hours of continuing education per license renewal cycle.

Type of Experience and Number of Years : The OT must have a Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an accredited occupational therapy program as approved by the AOTA.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

  • OT evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews. OTs interprets assessment findings and appropriately communicates information to parents and school teams through written and oral means.
  • The OT collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students’ unique needs using evidence based practices.
  • Develops and implements individualized OT intervention strategies.
  • Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding effective coordination of services.
  • Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding transition from school to community, preparing student to function independently when outlined outcomes are achieved.
  • Documents all OT services provided within a timely manner as outlined by the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services. Evaluates and documents student progress in accordance with the ILOTA as well as school district, State and Federal policies.
  • Addresses personal care, student role, interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, graphic communication, needs for assistive technology, accessibility, environmental accommodations as required to access their educational environment through collaboration and participation with school staff.
  • Seeks regular opportunities for professional growth.
  • Participates in clinical educational opportunities for students of occupational therapy.
  • Adheres to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
  • Provides direct supervision of occupational therapy assistants in accordance with Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act.

Keywords:

occupational therapy, special education, student support, individualized education programs, assistive technology, motor skills, educational therapy, Illinois license, student participation, therapeutic interventions



  • Oak Brook, IL, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Description: The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child—in every school and every neighborhood—has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school college- and career-ready. Under the IDEA an occupational therapist provides services to a student within their least...


  • Oak Brook, IL, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools summary: An Occupational Therapist in the Chicago Public Schools provides essential services to enhance students' educational experiences by addressing their unique needs within a supportive environment. Responsibilities include evaluating students, developing and implementing individualized education...


  • Oak Brook, United States AnthroMed Education Full time

    Job Opportunity: Occupational Therapist covering an FMLA Leave About AnthroMed Education: AnthroMed Education is a proud provider of exceptional Special Education services across the Greater Chicagoland area. We are passionate about supporting professionals who share the joy and fulfillment of helping students grow, overcome challenges, and reach their...


  • Oak Brook, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools summary: An Occupational Therapist in the Chicago Public Schools provides essential services to enhance students' educational experiences by addressing their unique needs within a supportive environment. Responsibilities include evaluating students, developing and implementing individualized education...


  • Oak Brook, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Description: The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child—in every school and every neighborhood—has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school college- and career-ready. Under the IDEA an occupational therapist provides services to a student within their least...


  • Oak Brook, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools summary: An Occupational Therapist in the Chicago Public Schools provides essential services to enhance students' educational experiences by addressing their unique needs within a supportive environment. Responsibilities include evaluating students, developing and implementing individualized education...


  • Oak Brook, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools summary: An Occupational Therapist in the Chicago Public Schools provides essential services to enhance students' educational experiences by addressing their unique needs within a supportive environment. Responsibilities include evaluating students, developing and implementing individualized education...


  • Oak Brook, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools summary: An Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools helps students with special needs improve their participation in educational activities by providing tailored therapy and support. They evaluate students and collaborate with teachers and parents to develop individualized education programs aimed...


  • oak brook, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Description: The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child—in every school and every neighborhood—has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school college- and career-ready.Under the IDEA an occupational therapist provides services to a student within their least...


  • Oak Brook, United States ProCare Therapy Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionMinimum 1+ years occupational therapy experience required.Are you an Occupational Therapist interested in a new opportunity for the 24/25 School Year? ProCare Therapy is working with a school district in your area who is in need of a Occupational Therapist. Read below for more information.Job Description:March - May2025.Full...


  • Oak Brook, United States HomeHealth Advantage Inc Full time

    We are currently seeking Home Health Occupational Therapist for immediate hire to cover the Chicago land area. If you are eager to join a growing agency with opportunities for unlimited financial potential, we want you on our team!   Areas include:  Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Westmont, Downers Grove   The candidate must be: A licensed professional with...


  • Oak Brook, IL, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools summary: An Occupational Therapist in the Chicago Public Schools provides essential services to enhance students' educational experiences by addressing their unique needs within a supportive environment. Responsibilities include evaluating students, developing and implementing individualized education plans,...


  • Oak Brook, Illinois, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Chicago Public Schools seeks an experienced Occupational Therapist to join our team of dedicated professionals committed to providing exceptional support to students with special needs.About the RoleThis rewarding opportunity allows you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students by helping them overcome physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges...


  • Oak Brook, United States ProCare Therapy Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionMinimum 1+ years occupational therapy experience required.ProCare Therapy is currently seeking a passionate and experienced Occupational Therapist to join our team in Oak Brook. The OT will provide therapy services to students with disabilities in a school setting.Overview:Full Time5 Days a Week35 Hours Per WeekStart: March 24,...


  • Oak Brook, Illinois, United States Host Healthcare Full time

    Travel Occupational Therapist Job DetailsHost Healthcare is an award-winning travel healthcare company with an immediate opening for an Occupational Therapist position in Oak Brook, IL.As a travel occupational therapist, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and locations, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. Our company will...


  • Oak Brook, United States ProCare Therapy Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionMinimum 1+ years occupational therapy experience required.Procare Therapy is working with a district in the Oak Brook, IL area who is in need of an Occupational Therapist for the 24-25 School Year. If you are interested, read below!What is Procare Therapy? Procare Therapy is a staffing/recruiting agency that helps school...


  • Oak Park, IL, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Description: The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child—in every school and every neighborhood—has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school college- and career-ready. Under the IDEA an occupational therapist provides services to a student within their least...


  • Oak Park, IL, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools summary: An Occupational Therapist in the Chicago Public Schools provides specialized services to enhance students' participation in educational activities through individualized therapy and interventions. This role involves evaluating students' needs, developing Individualized Education Programs,...


  • Oak Brook, Illinois, United States Sunbelt Staffing Full time

    Job OverviewSunbelt Staffing is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to fill a part-time contract opportunity in a K-8 school district in Oak Brook, IL.This position requires minimum 1+ years of occupational therapy experience and involves managing caseloads, assessments, and individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with mild to moderate...


  • Oak Lawn, IL, United States Chicago Public Schools Full time

    Occupational Therapist at Chicago Public Schools summary: An Occupational Therapist working within the Chicago Public Schools provides essential services to help students with special needs improve their functionality in educational contexts. They evaluate students and collaboratively develop Individualized Education Programs to enhance skills related to...