School-based Occupational Therapist

LOCATION:                    Ida Crown Jewish Academy / Skokie, IL or Solomon Schechter Therapeutic Day School / Northbrook, IL

WORK STATUS:            Full-time benefitted / Salary Exempt / 12-months

SUPERVISOR:              Therapeutic Day School Manager, Clinical Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Occupational Therapist (OT) in a therapeutic day school setting delivers specialized, student-centered support to individuals with developmental, behavioral, sensory, and emotional challenges. As a key member of the interdisciplinary team, the OT contributes to the development and implementation of behavior support plans, conducts Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), and applies therapeutic interventions to enhance regulation, engagement, and functional independence in all school settings.

With a strong emphasis on functional life and vocational skills, the OT also supports students in developing pre-vocational and vocational competencies aligned with individualized education and transition goals. This includes designing skill-building activities, adapting tasks for accessibility, and fostering work readiness through structured programming. The OT collaborates with clinical and educational staff, provides staff training, and cultivates partnerships with businesses and community organizations to expand real-world learning opportunities.

Through comprehensive evaluation, data-driven progress monitoring, and dynamic teamwork, the OT ensures that students gain the skills necessary for success within the school environment and beyond.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

DIRECT OCCUPATIONAL SERVICES:

• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and write comprehensive reports that inform IEP eligibility and service recommendations.
• Develop measurable, individualized OT goals that align with educational priorities and student needs.
• Create specific, measurable goals based on identified needs (e.g., sensory regulation, self-care, executive functioning, social-emotional development).
• Implement treatment plan on identified needs (e.g., sensory regulation, self-care, executive functioning, social-emotional development). The focus of these services includes, but is not limited to: academic performance, fine and gross motor functioning, positioning, daily living skills, play/leisure skills, work skills, and sensory-motor activities.
• Adapt tasks, materials, and environments to facilitate student access to the curriculum and school routines.
• Utilize trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate strategies to enhance student engagement and participation.
• Participate in IEP meetings, presenting findings, justifications, and progress to team members, families, and district representatives.
• Ensure all documentation meets IDEA, ISBE, and local compliance standards.
• Collect and maintain accurate, ongoing therapy data to support IEP goals and inform instructional planning.
• Complete quarterly progress reports and updates in accordance with IEP timelines and school procedures.
• Use data to adjust therapy interventions and support goal attainment
• Collaborate with special education staff, related service providers, and administrators to support comprehensive service delivery.
• Communicate effectively with families to explain OT services, progress, and how supports generalize across home and school.