Occupational Therapist (SY26/27)

The job of Occupational Therapist is done for the purpose/s of assessing students' functional physical development level; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives; identifying architectural barriers; providing recommendations for accessibility, program development and student placement; and providing direction to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants. This job reports to the Director of Student Specialized Services.

This position is for the 2026-2027 school year. This position will be a full-time position at Rice Children's Center (0.5 FTE), Early Childhood Center (0.3 FTE), and Washington Elementary School (0.2 FTE).

The Occupational Therapist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Administers occupational therapy procedures and modalities for the purpose of achieving program objectives.
• Assesses students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for treatment, appropriate assistive devices and/or school placement.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services, making recommendations and/or coordinating occupational therapy services with those of other disciplines.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, treatment plans, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, Medicaid billings, reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Provide self help, functional mobility, environmental adaptations/adaptive equipment, positioning, motor functions, sensory processing, prevocation/vocational skills for the purpose of direct and indirect occupational therapy to children with disabilities in educational environments, and developing students daily living skills in compliance with established goals and objectives.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Responds to inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or referral as appropriate.
• Working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; providing information and/or advising others; Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.
  
  

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

Education Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  
  

Certificates And Licenses

• Illinois Occupational Therapist License
  
  

Experience Required

• Job related experience within a specialized field.
  
  

Compensation And Benefits (2026-2027 School Year)

Minimum starting salary with Bachelors degree:

$56,920 (includes District paid IMRF pension) - pro-rated to start date

Minimum Starting Salary With Masters Degree

$62,042 (includes District paid IMRF pension) - pro-rated to start date

Benefits Include

• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-term Disability
• Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Pension plan
• Flexible Benefits Plan
• Tax Deferred Annuities
• 12 Sick Days
• 2 Personal Days
• Employee Assistance Program
  

Application Procedure

Apply online at www.district65.net

Selection Procedure

Qualified candidates will be notified to schedule an interview