Occupational Therapist (OT)

Position Summary

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides occupational therapy services to students who experience physical, developmental, sensory, fine-motor, or other functional difficulties that affect their ability to participate successfully in the educational environment. The OT works collaboratively with teachers, special education staff, families, administrators, and other related-service professionals to support students' educational and functional needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and assessments to identify students' strengths, needs, and areas affecting school participation.

• Develop and implement individualized occupational therapy interventions based on students' educational needs and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), when applicable.

• Provide direct and indirect therapy services in individual, small-group, classroom, or other appropriate school settings.

• Address skills such as fine-motor coordination, handwriting, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, self-care, functional mobility, and classroom participation.

• Collaborate with teachers and school staff to incorporate therapeutic strategies into classroom routines and instructional activities.

• Recommend and support the use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, environmental modifications, and other accommodations when appropriate.

• Monitor and document student progress and modify interventions based on student performance and educational goals.

• Participate in IEP meetings and contribute occupational therapy assessments, goals, recommendations, and progress information.

• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding student needs, progress, and recommended strategies.

• Maintain accurate and timely records, treatment documentation, evaluations, and other required reports.

• Collaborate with other related-service providers, including physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, and special education professionals.

• Follow district policies, professional standards, and applicable federal and Illinois requirements governing school-based occupational therapy services.

• Protect student confidentiality and maintain professional standards at all times.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy or an equivalent degree from an accredited program.

• Current Illinois occupational therapy licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

• Appropriate Illinois credentials or authorization to provide occupational therapy services in a school setting.

• Current NBCOT certification (if required by the position/district).

• Experience working with children in a school, pediatric, or related setting is preferred.

• Knowledge of pediatric occupational therapy practices, special education, and school-based intervention strategies.

• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and documentation skills.

Essential Skills

The successful candidate should be able to:

• Assess students' functional and educational needs.

• Develop appropriate therapy interventions and measurable goals.

• Work effectively with students with a wide range of developmental and educational needs.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

• Communicate clearly with students, families, teachers, and administrators.

• Manage multiple students and responsibilities while maintaining accurate documentation.

• Adapt therapy strategies to different classroom environments and student needs.

Work Environment

This position is based in an elementary school environment and requires regular interaction with students, teachers, administrators, families, and other school personnel. The OT may work across classrooms, therapy spaces, and other areas of the school and may need to assist students with a variety of physical and functional activities.

Position Objective

The primary objective of the Occupational Therapist is to help students develop and maintain the functional skills necessary to access instruction, participate in school activities, and achieve greater independence within the educational environment.