Occupational Therapist Substitute

About the role

The Occupational Therapist assesses students' functional physical development level, plans and implements appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives, identifies architectural barriers, provides recommendations for accessibility, program development and student placement, and provides direction to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants. This position reports to the Director of Student Specialized Services, is for the 2026‑2027 school year, and is a full‑time role split between Walker Elementary School, Orrington Elementary School, and Chute Middle School, with an anticipated end date of January 2027.

Responsibilities

• Administers occupational therapy procedures and modalities to achieve program objectives.
• Assesses students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (perceptual‑motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) to determine program eligibility and develop recommendations for treatment, assistive devices, and/or school placement.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel, and/or outside professionals to provide requested information, develop service plans, make recommendations, and coordinate occupational therapy services with other disciplines.
• Maintains files and/or records (progress reports, activity logs, treatment plans, etc.) to ensure information availability for reference and compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) to convey and/or gather information.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, Medicaid billings, reports, etc.) to document activities, provide written reference, and/or convey information.
• Provides self‑help, functional mobility, environmental adaptations/adaptive equipment, positioning, motor functions, sensory processing, prevocational/vocational skills for direct and indirect occupational therapy to children with disabilities in educational environments, and develops students' daily living skills in compliance with established goals and objectives.
• Researches resources and methods (intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) to determine the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Responds to inquiries (parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) to provide information and/or referral as appropriate.

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.

Benefits

• 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

Pay

• Minimum starting salary with Bachelor's degree: $51.81/hour (includes District paid TRS pension) – pro‑rated to start date.
• Minimum Starting Salary With Masters Degree: $56.47/hour (includes District paid TRS pension) – pro‑rated to start date.