School Occupational Therapist ( West Chicago)

LEARN Charter School Network•Chicago, IL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

LEARN Charter School is seeking an Occupational Therapist to collaborate with case managers, school counselors and social workers, teachers, school leaders, and other staff to identify and meet students’ physical needs in a K–8 school setting. The role provides direct and consultative occupational therapy services as indicated in student IEP, 504, MTSS, and health plans, following current occupational therapy principles, LEARN Network guidelines and protocols, and best practices. The Occupational Therapist assesses students’ occupational therapy needs, including motor and sensory needs, and uses data to develop and implement individualized plans. The role creates individualized therapy programs and shares them with classroom teachers and families, using strategies to help students increase strength and dexterity and access the educational setting. It maintains records of services and student progress, including qualitative and quantitative data, and uses that information to inform evidence-based decisions. The position also keeps current with occupational therapy research and practices, provides training or professional development as appropriate, supports Network wellness initiatives, and participates in OT/PT, school, and Student Support Services teams. The role may involve travel to LEARN campuses across the state. A busy, occasionally noisy school environment and participation in organization-sponsored events and meetings may be part of the work. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a valid medical or religious exemption is required.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Three years of prior experience providing the service required by the position, including at least three years working in a school setting.
State license to provide services as an occupational therapist.
Registration with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR).
Knowledge of applicable federal and state statutes concerning privacy, care, and protection from abuse.
Ability to make referrals to appropriate staff members and other agencies and organizations.
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a valid medical or religious exemption.

Responsibilities

Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services to students as indicated in IEP, 504, MTSS, and health plans.
Follow current occupational therapy principles, LEARN Network guidelines and protocols, and best practices.
Ensure compliance with ISBE, authorizing district, and Network requirements, including timelines and service delivery.
Assess and identify students’ occupational therapy needs, including motor and sensory needs.
Use data to develop and implement IEPs, 504 plans, MTSS plans, and/or health plans.
Create individualized therapy programs and share them with classroom teachers and families.
Use strategies and best practices to help students increase strength and dexterity and access the educational setting.
Maintain ongoing and detailed records of services provided and student progress, including qualitative and quantitative data.
Use student response and progress data to inform evidence-based decisions.
Keep abreast of current occupational therapy research and practices.
Provide occupational therapy professional development or training to students, school teams, or Network teams as appropriate or requested.
Support Network wellness initiatives through the perspective of a school-based occupational therapist.
Attend required meetings and contribute to OT/PT, school, and Student Support Services teams.
Perform other duties within the scope of occupational therapy and as a member of individual student, school, and Network teams.
Travel to LEARN campuses across the state as needed.
Communicate and exchange information; collect, compile, and prepare work documents; and set up and maintain work files.
As needed, clean and maintain equipment and facilities used by students.