Occupational Therapist (Academy Grand/South)

UCAN (Chicago); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UCAN Academy and High School in Chicago seeks an Occupational Therapist to assess and treat students with motor deficits within IEP-driven settings across two campuses. The role involves group and individual therapy, collaboration with teachers, and environmental adaptations to support accessibility.

The therapist will design and implement interventions, maintain thorough records, and coordinate with parents and staff to meet IEP goals while traveling between Humboldt Park and Auburn-Gresham

Qualifications

• Current Illinois State license to practice occupational therapy.
• Two (2) years of pediatric experience in a school setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and conducts occupational therapy activities for students with motor deficits to help develop daily living and learning skills.
• Provides direct and consultative intervention in special and general education classrooms.
• Writes evaluation and reassessment summaries for students with motor deficits.
• Participates as a member of the student study team in meetings and assessments.
• Delivers services to restore function, improve mobility, and prevent disability.
• Maintains clear records of students' activities and progress.
• Interprets therapy needs and coordinates with parents and teachers to achieve IEP objectives.
• Handles paperwork to obtain assessment permission and document parent contacts.
• Schedules caseload flexibly and works well with administration and staff.

Education

Illinois State license to practice occupational therapy

Job description

Brief Description

Position Title: Occupational Therapist

Department: UCAN Academy and High School

Reports to: Clinical Director

About The Program

Comprised of two campuses in the Humboldt Park and Auburn-Gresham communities, the UCAN Academy is an innovative kindergarten-12th grade, year‑round therapeutic day school. Collectively, the multi‑accredited schools make up one of the largest and most recognized therapeutic day school operations in Chicago. Students come from diverse and distinct backgrounds and have experienced difficulties in public or private school settings. Each youth has a unique set of needs that are met through the development and monitoring of their Individualized Education Plan. They are enrolled from Chicago Public Schools and several suburban districts, and many have become discouraged about learning. Our goal is to help them to see schooling in a positive light and to reach their highest potential. Our small class sizes of 10 students with a 5:1 student to staff ratio are geared to small teaching sessions and equipped to meet students' individual learning needs.

Position Objective And Summary

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for providing assessment and instruction to students with motor deficits in groups or individual therapy in a variety of settings. The Occupational Therapist will assess, design, and implement appropriate therapy interventions to meet student motor needs through the IEP, and work as a team member. The Occupational Therapist also assess and recommends environmental modifications and equipment adaptations to assure accessibility for students with disabilities in their educational environment.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and conducts occupational therapy program activities for special education students who are disabled by mental, physical, and/or emotional conditions so they can develop, recover, or maintain daily living, working, and/or learning skills.
• Provides direct and consultative intervention in special and general education classrooms.
• Writes evaluation and reassessment summaries for students suspected of having fine and gross motor deficits.
• Participates as a member of child’s study team in staff meetings and team assessments.
• Provides services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of students suffering from injuries or disease.
• Maintains clear and concise records of students’ activities and progress.
• Interprets therapy needs and works cooperatively with parents and teachers to achieve IEP objectives.
• Processes any paperwork required to obtain assessment permission and document parent contacts as legally mandated.
• Schedules flexibly to accommodate a changing caseload.
• Communicates effectively and works harmoniously with administration and staff.

Education/Job Experience/Certification

• Current Illinois State license to practice occupational therapy.
• Two (2) years of pediatric experience in a school setting preferred, but not required.

Special Knowledge And Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and a part of a high functioning team.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Some computer knowledge necessary.
• This position requires traveling to both academy locations.

Summary

At UCAN, we prioritize the health and well‑being of our team, as it is essential to our mission of serving the community. Our competitive benefits package is designed to help you and your family thrive. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of the benefits we offer.

Benefits You Can Choose From

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Short‑Term Disability
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Tuition Reimbursement

Benefits Provided At No Cost To You

• Group Life and AD&D Insurance
• Group Long‑Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

UCAN is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates with lived experience and diverse backgrounds to apply.