Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for assessing, planning, and implementing therapeutic services to support students' functional development and access to the educational environment. This role evaluates students' fine motor, sensory, and adaptive skills to determine the need for and provision of services, ensuring compliance with federal law, Illinois statutes, and district procedures. The Occupational Therapist collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to interpret assessment data, develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs), and provide interventions that promote student independence and participation in school activities. Additionally, this position identifies environmental and accessibility needs, provides recommendations to support students in the least restrictive environment, and contributes to equitable student outcomes through consultation, staff support, and the integration of evidence-based practices.

The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Conducts comprehensive assessments of students' fine motor, sensory, perceptual-motor, and functional abilities to determine eligibility and service needs.
2. Interprets assessment data and prepares written evaluation reports to support eligibility determination and program planning.
3. Develops, implements, and monitors individualized treatment plans and interventions aligned to student IEP goals.
4. Provides direct and indirect occupational therapy services to support students' functional development, independence, and access to the educational environment.
5. Screens students to determine the need for further evaluation and individualized assessment.
6. Collaborates with multidisciplinary team members, including participation in IEP and transition planning processes.
7. Consults with teachers, parents, and staff to provide strategies, recommendations, and support for integrating therapeutic practices into the educational setting.
8. Instructs students, staff, and families on the use of assistive devices, adaptive strategies, and interventions to support student success.
9. Identifies environmental and structural barriers and provides recommendations for accessibility, accommodations, and adaptive equipment.
10. Recommends, adapts, and monitors specialized equipment and materials to support student development and participation.
11. Interprets medical and educational reports to inform appropriate interventions and service delivery.
12. Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant documentation, including evaluations, progress reports, service logs, and billing records.
13. Ensures all services and documentation comply with federal law, Illinois statutes, and district procedures.
14. Coordinates occupational therapy services across multiple school sites to ensure consistent and effective service delivery.
15. Directs and supports assigned staff, including Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and paraprofessionals, to ensure program effectiveness.
16. Communicates effectively with families and serves as a liaison to outside providers and community resources as appropriate.
17. Provides support and consultation related to vocational and community-based environments, including job site adaptations when applicable.
18. Researches and applies evidence-based practices, tools, and resources to support student outcomes.
19. Responds to inquiries from staff, families, and stakeholders, providing information and guidance as appropriate.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervises assigned paraprofessional employees and/or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.

RLAS #116 is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the district will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the district when necessary.