Occupational Therapist
About The Position
Heartland Alliance International (HAI) is a global human rights organization advancing the health and human rights of marginalized communities. HAI implements programs addressing trauma-informed mental health care, access to justice for survivors of rights abuses, and stigma-free health services. Through innovative, equity-driven approaches, HAI promotes human rights protections and gender equality across its global and U.S.-based programs. HAI's Marjorie Kovler Center (MKC), based in Chicago, is a nationally recognized treatment center for survivors of torture and severe trauma and their families. Serving individuals from more than 60 countries, MKC provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health, medical, and social services. The center also advocates for the end of torture worldwide and for the rights of immigrant and refugee communities.
Requirements
- Master’s degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
- Current licensure as an Occupational Therapist in the State of Illinois.
- Minimum of 3–4 years of professional experience in occupational therapy, preferably in community-based or trauma-informed settings.
- At least 2–3 years of experience working with immigrant, refugee, or other vulnerable populations.
- Experience providing clinical supervision to OT students in accordance with AOTA standards.
- Familiarity with interdisciplinary collaboration in clinical environments.
- Deep understanding of trauma-informed care principles and their application in occupational therapy.
- Knowledge of the impact of social, psychological, and cultural dimensions of forced migration and torture on occupational performance.
- Ability to deliver culturally and linguistically responsive services in a cross-cultural setting.
- Experience working with interpreters in both individual and group therapeutic contexts.
- Strong clinical reasoning and assessment skills tailored to diverse populations.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
- Skilled in technical supervision and mentoring of OT students in accordance with AOTA standards.
- Effective communicator with the ability to educate others on the role of OT in trauma recovery and forced migration contexts.
- Demonstrated capacity for program development, training, and external partnership engagement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and electronic health record systems.
- Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution-oriented in high-pressure or crisis situations.
- Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality standards, and professional development.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with interpreters in both individual and group settings is highly desirable.
- Multilingual abilities are a plus, especially in languages represented by the client population.
Responsibilities
- Deliver trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically responsive occupational therapy services to individuals and families impacted by torture, forced displacement, and severe trauma.
- Conduct individual and group assessments and interventions on-site, in community settings, and virtually as needed.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams — including clinical, case management, medical, legal, and social service providers — to support participant goals and holistic care.
- Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with organizational and professional standards.
- Provide clinical supervision to OT students in alignment with AOTA guidelines and contribute to internal training and capacity building efforts.
- Participate in program development, including reviewing clinical policies, contributing to grant reporting, and supporting evaluation efforts.
- Represent the Marjorie Kovler Center in local and national coalitions, workgroups, and community partnerships.
- Provide education and training to staff, volunteers, and external partners on the role of occupational therapy in trauma recovery and forced migration contexts.
- Demonstrate adaptability and initiative in a cross-cultural, trauma-informed environment.
- Participate in regular individual supervision, team meetings, and professional development activities.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, ethical standards, and applicable licensing requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of program and organizational goals.
Benefits
- Collective Bargaining Agreement benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
