Occupational Therapist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success. OSD supports networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the RSP Manager, OT/PT, an Occupational Therapist provides services to a student within their least restrictive environment to help each student benefit from his or her special education program. Occupational therapy services address performance within an educational context, including classroom lessons and activities, self-help skills, pre-vocational and vocational activities, play and leisure, and social skills. Outcomes are directed toward improved student participation in the general education curriculum, access to the school environment, and participation in extracurricular activities.

The OT evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews. OTs interpret assessment findings and appropriately communicate information to parents and school teams through written and oral means. The OT collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students’ unique needs.

The Occupational Therapist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Improving manipulative skills for self-care and paper/pencil tasks through reach, grasp and dexterity.
• Enhancing school transitions and participation in educational activities by providing environmental accommodations.
• Enhancing comfort, participation and attending by maintaining functional postures.
• Increasing functional use of hands and visual regard by providing stable positions.
• Ensuring independence in feeding for safety and nourishment.
• Facilitating safety in the school environment by decreasing the possibility of injury to student’s self or others as he/she moves or performs skills/tasks.
• Improving success for small muscle school tasks by increasing coordination of eye-hand movements.
• Facilitating access to and mobility within school by assessing and changing the environment.
• Increasing functional use of extremities through use of adapted equipment.
• Enhancing ability to learn through sensorimotor activities that address motor planning, attending and behavior issues.
• Promoting competency and safety of educational staff in body mechanics, handling techniques, motor skills and classroom adaptations.
• Facilitating student’s independence through access to assistive technology.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Occupational Therapist must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• The OT must have a Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an accredited occupational therapy program as approved by the AOTA.

• The OT must pass the National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy. OT must hold a current and active Illinois license to practice as issued by the IL Department of Professional Regulations. This license must be renewed every two years upon payment on or before December 31 st of given renewal year. In addition, the IL OT practice act mandates 24 hours of continuing education per license renewal cycle. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• OT evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews. OTs interprets assessment findings and appropriately communicates information to parents and school teams through written and oral means.
• The OT collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students’ unique needs using evidence based practices.
• Develops and implements individualized OT intervention strategies.
• Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding effective coordination of services.
• Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding transition from school to community, preparing student to function independently when outlined outcomes are achieved.
• Documents all OT services provided within a timely manner as outlined by the Office for Students with Disabilities. Evaluates and documents student progress in accordance with the ILOTA as well as school district, State and Federal policies.
• Addresses personal care, student role, interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, graphic communication, needs for assistive technology, accessibility, environmental accommodations as required to access their educational environment through collaboration and participation with school staff.
• Seeks regular opportunities for professional growth.
• Participates in clinical educational opportunities for students of occupational therapy.
• Adheres to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Provides direct supervision of occupational therapy assistants in accordance with Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act.

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Short-Term Disability

Religious Holidays

Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.