Occupational Therapist

Lake Forest School District 67 is seeking a full-time Occupational Therapist for the 2026-2027 school year. The therapist will provide services to students in the early childhood, elementary, and middle school settings.

Description: The Occupational Therapist provides school based occupational therapy services to students with identified needs in order to support access, participation, and success within the educational environment. The Occupational Therapist prevents, assesses, diagnoses, interprets, and treats communication, fine/gross motor, regulation, cognitive-communication, mobility, and functional deficits. They collaborate with families, staff, and students to identify supports, accommodations, and modifications that promote inclusive practices and improved student outcomes. May include up to 37.5 additional paid hours during the summer.
 

Benefits:

• Salary Range - $50-$75/hour based on credentials and experience
• Schedule - Mon-Fri, 37.5 hours per week
• Work Calendar - 10 months (mid-August through mid-June), 179 work days and up to 5 flex days. Additionally, OTs are paid their hourly rate for up to 60 hours for Extended School Year (ESY).
• Reimbursement - OTs are eligible for tuition reimbursement and all other benefits in the LFEA 67 collective bargaining agreement.
• Retirement System - IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) - the district pays the full district premium, and employees pay the 4.5% employee contribution.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as a member of Student Services Department

Assessment and Planning

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations in the specialist's discipline to determine eligibility, develop recommendations, and inform instructional practices
• Develop and implement individualized IEP goals that are appropriate to the student's needs, developmental level, and educational context
• Serve as case manager or related service provider for assigned students (as designated), ensuring compliance with timelines and IEP/504 requirements
• Prepare clear, data-driven diagnostic and progress reports; interpret evaluation data from both school-based and outside providers
• Develop and implement plans that integrate IEP goals, accommodations and modifications within the classroom setting
• Provide the necessary equipment for optimal classroom participation

Service Delivery

• Provide direct and indirect therapy services in individual, group, classroom, and community settings
• Implement evidence-based practices to support communication, fine/gross motor skills, daily living, self-regulation, social communication, mobility, and/or functional skills
• Select, implement, and support use of assistive technology and/or adaptive/mobility equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, gait trainers, positioning supports) to maximize student participation
• Establish and maintain a safe, supportive, an well-organized therapy environment that fosters independence and student engagement
• Maintain accurate service delivery logs, progress monitoring data, and Medicaid documentation as required

Collaboration and Communication

• Actively participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, including IEP/504, evaluations, transition planning, and problem-solving sessions
• Collaborate with staff to adapt environment, tools, materials, equipment and activities according to the need of the student as well as ordering those supplies, materials, tools and equipment for therapy needs
• Provide culturally and linguistically responsive communication with families; facilitate parent education and training on strategies to support student needs
• Share relevant student information with staff (e.g., IEP-at-a-Glance, BIPs, strategies, information about needs, accommodations)
• Engage students in self-advocacy, student-led IEPs, and transition planning
• Participates and leads a variety of meetings (e.g. training workshops, seminars, committees, IEP's team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information and growing professionally

Professional Responsibilities

• Reflect on practice, seek feedback, and adjust strategies based on student outcomes and evaluation data
• Maintain compliance with district, state, and federal documentation requirements
• Participate actively in professional learning communities, staff development, and district initiatives
• Pursue professional development and maintain licensure; contribute to the profession by sharing expertise and supporting colleagues
• Adhere to Board of Education policies, procedures, and ethical standards
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications:
Education, Experience, and Licensure (required and preferred):

• Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with appropriate endorsement or Illinois State License in OT through the Division of Professional Regulations
• National certification (NBCOT)
• Pediatric and/or special education experience preferred
• Valid Illinois Driver's License and access to a reliable and insured vehicle to drive between service sites.
• Ability to implement Nonviolent Crisis Intervention strategies, including physical restraint, time-out, and safe transfer of students, as appropriate

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Illinois special education law
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Ability to initiate and complete work without an inordinate amount of supervision and direction
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Proficient use Google Apps for Education, online testing platforms, and school-based processing and management systems.
• Treats others with respect, works with integrity and ethics, and demonstrates teamwork skills.
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies and building and department procedures.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
• Demonstrate timely and consistent follow-through with paperwork, referrals, reports, logs, Medicaid tracking and other reports as needed or appropriate
• Ability to effectively evaluate students and determine qualification or termination of services
• Ability to organize and manage schedule to meet the needs of students and building/teams

Physical Demands:
The job requires regular physical exertion, including lifting, transferring, and positioning students; pushing/pulling wheelchairs and adaptive equipment; and assisting students with mobility and functional movement. Frequent activities may include kneeling, squatting, climbing, and floor-based interaction with students. Occasional heavy exertion may be required (lifting more than 50 lbs with assistance). Independent transportation is required due to service across multiple sites.

Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly subject to inside environmental conditions and is subject to noises associated with both office and educational environments.

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates must apply online. Click here to access the online application.

To learn more about Lake Forest School Districts 67 & 115, visit our website at www.lakeforestschools.org.

Educating without Boundaries... Learning without Limits