Title: Occupational Therapist

Assignment: School-year, 1.0 FTE

Location: Multiple locations between New Trier High School and Sender Schools (Grades K-8)

Occupational Group: NTESPA - Instructional

Supervisor: Director of Special Education and Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services

Start Date: August 18, 2025

Position Outcomes:

This role involves evaluating students, developing individualized intervention plans, and collaborating with teachers, parents, and other professionals to support students with diverse needs. The OT will work with students to enhance their ability to participate in school activities by addressing fine motor, sensory processing, self-regulation, and other skills necessary for academic success.

General Responsibilities:

The Occupational Therapist provides school-based occupational therapy services to eligible students to allow for full access to their educational environment including reducing barriers and providing accessibility recommendations. School-based occupational therapy services are provided to develop and increase fine motor, daily living, and sensory skills that enable students to participate in meaningful and purposeful educational activities. Occupational therapists collaborate with the family and educational team to identify the needs, supports, modifications, and accommodations that are required for the students with diverse needs to access their education with improved outcomes. Occupational Therapists provide direct services and collaborate with the family and educational teams from the school to identify the needs, supports, modifications, and accommodations that are required for the students with diverse needs to access their education with improved outcomes.

Qualifications:

Minimum of a Master’s Degree
Graduate of accredited School of Occupational Therapy
Illinois State Occupational Therapy license from the Division of Professional Regulations
In compliance with both the American Occupational Therapy Association and National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy
Valid Illinois Driver’s License and access to a reliable and insured vehicle to drive between service provision locations in member districts.
Experience working with children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and other disabilities.
Experience with Assistive Technology or Assistive Technology Certificate
Experience with 504/IEP writing and implementation preferred

Knowledge/Ability/Skills:

Oral and written communication skills.
1. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to initiate and complete work without an inordinate amount of supervision and direction
Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
Proficient use of Google, online testing platforms, and school-based processing and management systems.
Treats others with respect, works with integrity and ethics, and demonstrates teamwork skills.
Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies, and building and department procedures.
Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
Demonstrate timely and consistent follow-through with paperwork, referrals, reports, logs, Medicaid tracking, and other reports as needed or appropriate.
Ability to organize and manage schedules to meet the needs of students and building/teams.

Position Expectations:

Assessment & Intervention
1. Conducts evaluations to assess students' fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, and functional abilities.
2. Develops and implements individualized occupational therapy plans to support students' learning and daily functioning.
3. Provides direct and consultative therapy services in individual, small group, and classroom settings.
4. Monitors student progress and adjusts interventions as needed.
Collaboration & Consultation
1. Works closely with teachers, special education staff, and other professionals to integrate OT strategies into the classroom.
2. Educates and trains school staff and parents on strategies to support students’ functional independence.
3. Participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, contributing expertise on student needs and goals.
4. Consult with, and model for, staff to assess assistive technology needs and provide ongoing training within the classroom.
5. Assist/consult with staff on curriculum planning and program development to educate staff on assistive technology and UDL.
Documentation & Compliance
1. Maintains accurate and timely records of evaluations, therapy sessions, and student progress.
2. Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations regarding therapy services in educational settings.
3. Assists in developing accommodations and modifications for students under IEPs or 504 Plans.
4. Set up and maintain accurate records and data collection systems related to AT for the purpose of documenting student information and reports.
Interpret, integrate, and synthesize evaluative information to make individualized recommendations for Assistive Technology interventions and services to provide access for students (e.g. AT tools for reading, writing, communication, and executive functioning).
Maintain professional memberships and networking relationships with state and national Assistive Technology organizations (i.e. Infinitec).
Facilitate and conduct AT trials using SETT or other frameworks.
Works directly with students and teams to develop, implement, and monitor Assistive Technology services.
Continues job performance enhancement by participating in professional growth activities.
Exhibits a positive attitude and projects a positive image to students, staff, and parents.
Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

FLSA: Exempt

Link to Occupational Therapist Salary Schedule

Link to ESP Benefits