Onward Education is partnering with a special education cooperative in Lake County, IL to hire an Occupational Therapist (OT) for the 2026-2027 school year. This is an on-site, school-based contract supporting students with diverse learning and developmental needs. The OT will help students build the functional skills they need to access instruction and participate fully in the school day, aligned to their IEPs and/or 504 Plans.
Brief Job Summary
In this role, you'll provide school-based occupational therapy services focused on skills that directly impact educational success-fine motor development, sensory processing/self-regulation, classroom participation, and adaptive strategies. You'll collaborate closely with educators, related service providers, and families, and you'll document services and progress in accordance with school and compliance requirements.
Position Details:
- Role: Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Hours: 7.5 hours/day, including a 30-minute unpaid lunch
- Typical Day: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- School Year: 2026-2027
- Caseload/Program: Includes an autism-focused therapeutic program within the cooperative's service model; details shared during the process
Responsibilities:
- Provide direct and consultative OT services aligned to student IEPs/504s
- Support fine motor skills, including handwriting, cutting, tool use, and functional classroom participation
- Address sensory processing and self-regulation needs; develop practical strategies and sensory supports for the school day
- Recommend and train on assistive/adaptive tools such as grips, seating supports, slant boards, and adapted materials
- Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and families to implement effective accommodations and carryover strategies
Complete evaluations as needed and contribute to OT goals, progress monitoring, and documentation
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Qualifications:
- Active Illinois Occupational Therapist license (IL OT)
- School-based or pediatric experience strongly preferred; clinical experience considered if transferable
- Comfortable collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and supporting students with higher support needs
Strong documentation, organization, and communication skills
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What We Offer:
- Competitive pay and benefits package.
- Access to a wide network of schools and districts for diverse placement options.
- Streamlined hiring process to get you started quickly.
- Ongoing communication and advocacy throughout your placement.
- Personalized support from dedicated recruiting professionals.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.
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Why Apply?
If you're passionate about creating positive change and supporting students' success, this is the opportunity for you! Work alongside a dedicated team of educators and support staff, helping students reach their full potential.
Ready to join us? Apply today - we can't wait to hear from you!
Employer Details:
- Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in an employment with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
- In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
- Onward Search is unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp or Independent Contractor arrangements at this time. All freelancers will be paid as W2 employees.
- Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401k program, for all eligible full-time temporary assignments.
- Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.
- Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing, and technology. Our clients are continuously turning to us to fill their open positions. Therefore, there is no application deadline for this position, as we are seeking candidates for this type of role across all our clients on an ongoing basis.
