Occupational Therapist (Long-Term Substitute / Guest Educator)

District 123; Oak Lawn (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

District 123 in Oak Lawn, IL is seeking a certified 1st grade teacher for a long-term assignment. Guest Educators with an ISBE Substitute Teaching License may apply; ISBE Elementary Ed license holders have a 1/180th pay differential (~$273/day for 26-27 year).

Assignment spans 4/12/2027 to 6/4/2027. The role includes coordinating an occupational therapy program, screenings, evaluations, transition planning, and direct therapy for students with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Must hold ISBE Substitute Teaching License or Professional Educator License for Elementary Education.
• Illinois Department of Professional Regulations License (OTR/L) required.
• Master’s Degree in related field or equivalent.
• Experience in the school setting preferred.
• Alternatives to listed qualifications may be considered by the Board.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate support for the Mission, Vision, and Goals of the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123.
• Uphold Board policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Collaborate with teachers to develop classroom accommodations for fine motor and sensory needs.
• Screen and/or evaluate PreK-8 students to determine eligibility for school-based occupational therapy services.
• Participate on multi-disciplinary teams to develop and review IEPs/504 plans.
• Provide direct occupational therapy services and consultant support to educators and parents.
• Monitor student progress and inform educational decisions regarding therapy and discharge.
• Maintain accurate records for documentation and Medicare reimbursement.
• Complete written reports including observations, evaluations, and progress notes.

Skills

Collaboration with adults

Clear expectations

Communication with students

Supportive teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Master’s Degree

ISBE OT License (OTR/L)

Job description

We are seeking a certified 1st grade teacher for this long-term assignment. Guest Educators (candidates holding an ISBE Substitute Teaching License) are eligible to apply. Candidates holding ISBE Professional Educator License for Elementary Education earn 1/180th pay differential, approximately $273.00 per day for the 26-27 school year.

Assignment Start: 4/12/2027
Assignment End: 6/4/2027

Job Goal:

To lead the process in development, implementation, and coordination of the occupational therapy program and provide screening, evaluation, transition planning, and therapeutic intervention, for students identified with or suspected of having disabilities.

Qualifications:

• Illinois Department of Professional Regulations License (OTR/L)


• Master’s Degree


• Experience in the school setting preferred


• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Our Mission & Strategic Vision

Our mission is to prepare today’s learners for tomorrow's world. We seek to intentionally design an environment where every student is held to high expectations and empowered to reach their full potential as productive, well-rounded humans. Driven by our strategic framework, we are committed to five key pillars of excellence:

• Academic Success: Building strong foundations for lifelong learning.


• Supportive & Safe Schools: Nurturing student welfе~? (modified)
  
• Supportive & Safe Schools: Nurturing student well-being and security.


• A Thriving Workforce: Sustaining a dedicated and inspired team.


• Operational Excellence: Meeting evolving district needs with efficiency.


• Community Engagement: Fostering reciprocal, authentic relationships.


• Academic Success: Building strong foundations for lifelong learning.

Our Portrait of a Graduate serves as our "north star," expanding the definition of success to include both core academic knowledge and the essential competencies our community identifies as vital for our students to leave ready for their next step within their academic journey, future work, and life. By clearly articulating these student-focused outcomes. The entire School District 123 Strategic Framework and Portrait of a Graduate can be found at: plan.d123.org.

Direct Supervisors

Building Principal and Program Supervisor for Special Education

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate support for the Mission, Vision, and Goals of the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123


• Uphold the established Board of Education policies, regulations, and administrative procedures


• Collaborate with teachers to develop classroom accommodations that support the acquisition of fine motor or other developmental skills including sensory integration.


• Screen and/or evaluate PreK-8 students to determine their eligibility for school-based occupational therapy services based on District philosophies and standardized practices.


• Participate on multi-disciplinary teams to develop, implement, and review students’ IEPs and Section 504 accommodation plans, as appropriate.


• Provide direct individual and group occupational therapy services to students, and consultation (which may include inservices) to general and special educators and parents.


• Monitor student progress regularly and make informed, timely educational decisions about continued therapy and discharge.


• Complete written reports, as required. This includes observations, evaluation/re-evaluations, clinical notes, and progress reports


• Maintain accurate records (students’ performance data, clerical responsibilities, Medicare billing, etc.) for the purpose of documenting accurate student information, reports, and Medicare reimbursement


• Comply with all contractual duties, Board of Education policies and administrative procedures; adhere to state and federal laws and regulations.


• Exhibit ethical behavior and integrity and maintains confidentiality for all school-related responsibilities.


• Regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job


• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor/s and Superintendent.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom (e.g., paraprofessionals, teachers, parents), establish clear expectations for roles and responsibilities.


• Develop and maintain positive and active relations and effective communications with students, staff, parents, community members and community organizations.


• Lift, carry or otherwise physically manage students, as necessary.


• Provide personal care for students, including diapering and toileting assistance, as needed.


• Assume responsibility for own professional development; for keeping current with the literature, new research findings, and improved knowledge and techniques in specialized area; and for attending appropriate professional meetings.


• Serve as a resource for students, parents, and teachers, and makes referrals as appropriate.


• Participate in developing the supply inventory for Occupational Therapy services in the District.

Salary:

• Hours/Day: (CBA – Art. II – Section 10.A)


• Months/Year: (CBA – Art. II – Section 10.B)


• Salary: Please see Collective Bargaining Agreement

Evaluation

• Performance in this position will be evaluated by the Building Principal in accordance with the Board of Education’s policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.

The School Board of Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, homelessness, or disability or other basis prohibited by law in any of its programs, services, activities or employment