Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant [83643]

Onward Education; Grayslake (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical/Dental/Vision

Weekly pay

Recruiter support

Mission-driven team

Job summary

Onward Search Education in Lake County, Illinois, is partnering with a school district to hire a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for the 2026/2027 school year. This on-site role supports K–12 students with a low caseload, under supervision of a licensed OT, providing hands-on therapy in the school setting.

Schedule is 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, 7.5 hours per day, 35 hours per week, ASAP through May 28, 2027, with pay range $29–$31 per hour.

Qualifications

• Active Illinois COTA license required or IL OT license if applying as OT.
• Experience with pediatric or school-based populations preferred.
• Comfort collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Implement occupational therapy interventions as directed by the supervising OT.
• Address sensory processing and self-regulation needs with students.
• Assist with gross motor and functional school participation skills.
• Support students with school-based self-help skills within school context.
• Track progress and document sessions for the supervising OT and school team.

Skills

COTA license

Pediatric experience

School-based experience

Job description

Onward Search Education is partnering with a school district in Lake County, Illinois to hire a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for the 2026/2027 school year. This is an on-site opportunity supporting K–12 students with a low caseload (approx. 30–40 students), providing hands‑on therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT).

Position Summary

As a School-Based COTA, you’ll help students build the fine motor, sensory, and functional skills they need to access learning and succeed in their school routines. You’ll implement treatment plans developed by the supervising OT and collaborate closely with educators and support staff to carry over strategies into the classroom environment.

• Location: On-site
• Schedule: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Hours: 7.5 hours/day | 35 hours/week
• School Year / Dates: ASAP – May 28, 2027
• Program: LASSO 2 & LASSO 3
• Caseload: Low caseload ~30–40
• Pay Range: $29-$31/hour

Responsibilities

• Implement occupational therapy interventions and activities as directed by the supervising OT.
• Provide strategies and activities addressing sensory processing and self‑regulation needs.
• Assist with gross motor and functional school participation skills (coordination, posture, access tasks).
• Support students with school-based self‑help skills as needed (e.g., feeding, dressing routines within school context).
• Track progress, document sessions, and communicate observations to the supervising OT and school team.

Qualifications

• Active Illinois COTA license (or IL OT license if applying as OT)
• PEL not required
• Experience working with pediatric or school-based populations strongly preferred
• Comfortable collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (special education staff, related service providers, administrators)
• Strong documentation, communication, and student‑centered care skills

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation (based on experience and district budget)
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Weekly pay (for eligible assignments)
• Dedicated recruiter support from Onward Search Education
• A mission‑driven team focused on improving student access and outcomes

Why Apply?

This is a great opportunity to join a supportive school team and make a direct impact on student independence, participation, and confidence—while working a school‑year schedule with a manageable caseload.