School-Based Occupational Therapist (OT)

Onward Edu; La Grange Park (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Network of schools and districts

Streamlined hiring process

Ongoing advocacy and support

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Onward Education is hiring a School-Based Occupational Therapist for the 2026-2027 school year. The position is full-time and onsite in Cook County, IL, with a Monday–Friday schedule, supporting 1st–6th grade students across general and special education settings to meet IEP goals.

The role emphasizes collaboration with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams, conducting evaluations, and developing functional, adaptive skills within the school environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Active Illinois OT license issued by IDFPR.
• NBCOT certification current and active.
• School-based/pediatric OT experience preferred.
• Knowledge of IDEA/IEP and school-based service delivery models.
• Strong assessment, documentation, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide OT services aligned with IEP goals and educational needs.
• Conduct evaluations and reevaluations to identify needs.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans for participation.
• Support fine motor, visual motor, handwriting, sensory processing, and self-regulation.
• Recommend adaptive equipment and environmental modifications as appropriate.
• Collaborate with teachers, families, and related service providers.
• Participate in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary teams.
• Monitor progress and adjust interventions to meet IEP goals.
• Maintain documentation per district, state, and federal requirements.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

IEP knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy

Illinois OT license (IDFPR)

NBCOT certification

Job description

Onward Education is a specialized education staffing and talent solutions company that helps educators, therapists, and school health professionals find top jobs with the nation's leading schools. We're partnering with a school district in Cook County, Illinois to hire a dedicated School-Based Occupational Therapist (OT) for the 2026-2027 school year.

This full-time, onsite opportunity offers the chance to make a meaningful impact supporting students across general education, special education, and self-contained programs. As a School-Based Occupational Therapist, you'll help students develop the functional, sensory, fine motor, visual motor, and adaptive skills needed to access their educational environment and participate successfully throughout the school day.

Position Details:

• Location: Onsite in Cook County, IL
• Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday
• Hours:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:45 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• School Year: 2026-2027
• Student Population: 1st-6th Grade

Responsibilities:

• Provide occupational therapy services aligned with students' IEP goals and educational needs.
• Conduct evaluations, reevaluations, and assessments to identify functional and educationally relevant needs.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans that support student participation and success within the educational setting.
• Support students in areas including fine motor skills, visual motor integration, handwriting, sensory processing, self-regulation, adaptive functioning, and classroom participation.
• Recommend and implement adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications as appropriate.
• Collaborate with teachers, families, special education staff, and related service providers to support student progress and educational access.
• Participate in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary team discussions.
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions to support achievement of IEP goals.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with district, state, and federal requirements.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program
• Active Illinois Occupational Therapist license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
• Current NBCOT certification
• School-based or pediatric occupational therapy experience preferred
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, special education regulations, and school-based service delivery models
• Strong assessment, documentation, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits package.
• Access to a wide network of schools and districts for diverse placement options.
• Streamlined hiring process to get you started quickly.
• Ongoing communication and advocacy throughout your placement.
• Personalized support from dedicated recruiting professionals.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.