HS Occupational Therapist for the 2026-2027 School Year

Job Title: Occupational Therapist
Reports to: Superintendent of ELC or designee
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned)

• Assess students’ functional physical development level; plan and implement appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives; identify architectural barriers; provide recommendations for accessibility, program development and student placement.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications:

• Current license from the State of Illinois Department of Financial Regulations, as a registered Occupational Therapist.
• Current certification from the Board of Registry of the American Occupational Therapist Association (AOTA).
• Must be physically able to provide therapy to students ages birth through 21.
• Ability to travel within the member districts of the ELC.
• Pediatric and special education experience preferred.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assesses students’ fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for occupational therapy treatment, appropriate assistive devices and/or curriculum access.
• Provides therapy to students based on district or ISBE learning standards, and/or individual student IEP goals and objectives within the classroom or outside of the classroom environment.
• Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, administration, maintenance personnel, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services making recommendations and/or occupational therapy services with those of other disciplines.
• Develops treatment plans, interventions and/or educational materials from the IEP for the purpose of remediating students’ motor skill deficits and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Establishes and maintains a positive and safe therapeutic environment for students.
• Identifies structural issues for the purpose of removing barriers for students with physical limitations and/or identifying appropriate technology and assistive equipment.
• Instructs students and staff for the purpose of providing information on medical/behavioral attributes, use of assistive devices and/or implementing plans for remediation of functional limitations.
• Interprets medical and academic reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/ intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, treatment plans, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.
• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. training workshops, seminars, IEP’s team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• As a member of the IEP team, completes all necessary paperwork in advance of the meeting, completes filing requirements, monitor implementation, and collaborates with team.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, evaluations, reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Provides direct occupational therapy services for the purpose of developing students’ daily living skills in compliance with established goals and objectives.
• Demonstrates knowledge of relevant evidence-based pediatric assessments, tools, and treatment methods.

Salary & Benefit Information:

• Pay ranges from $55,350 - $115,000 depending on education level and experience
• This is a 10-month, Monday through Friday position

Exceptional Learners Collaborative provides a comprehensive benefits plan including:

• Health, Dental and Vision insurance, including Board-paid single/employee medical insurance, and shared cost for family coverage
• Life Insurance
• Contribution to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (pension)
• Sick, Personal, and Bereavement leave time
• Professional Development opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement

Application Process:
Online applications are required (www.elced.org). Applicants should complete the electronic application process and upload a letter of interest, current resume, references and transcripts.

Physical Requirements:

While performing job, employee is required to: (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, S = Seldom)

Climb Ladders · S · Kneel · F · Lift/Carry >50 lbs · S · Push/Pull >50 lbs · O · Talk · F
Climb Stairs · F · Lift/Carry under 10 lbs · F · Push/Pull under 10 lbs · F · See · F · Twist · F
Crawl · S · Lift/Carry 10-25 lbs · F · Push/Pull 10-25 lbs · F · Squat · F · Walk · F
Hear · F · Lift/Carry 25-50 lbs · O · Push/Pull 25-50 lbs · S · Stoop/Bend · F

Calendar: 10.5-month Faculty Calendar
Compensation: Regionally-Competitive (not paid per a collectively-bargained contractual agreement)
Classification: Licensed Staff
FLSA Status: Exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act