Chicago Public Schools
CPS is a district on the rise serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student in every school and every neighborhood has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success.
Job Summary
Reporting to the RSP Manager, an Occupational Therapist provides services to a student within their least restrictive environment to help each student benefit from their special education program. Occupational therapy services address performance within an educational context, including classroom lessons and activities, self-help skills, pre-vocational and vocational activities, play, and leisure, and social skills. Outcomes are directed toward improved student participation in the general education curriculum, access to the school environment, and participation in extracurricular activities.
The OT evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews. OTs interpret assessment findings and appropriately communicate information to parents and school teams through written and oral means. The OT collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students unique needs.
Responsibilities
The Occupational Therapist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
• Providing occupational therapy services to students within their least restrictive environment • Addressing performance within an educational context, including classroom lessons and activities, self-help skills, pre-vocational and vocational activities, play, and leisure, and social skills • Evaluating students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews • Interpreting assessment findings and communicating information to parents and school teams through written and oral means • Collaborating with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans
Qualifications
To be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Occupational Therapist must possess the following qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an accredited occupational therapy program as approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) • National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy • Current and active Illinois license to practice as issued by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations • 24 hours of continuing education per license renewal cycle
Benefits
Chicago Public Schools is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. Youll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs, including:
• Medical Plan Options • Pharmacy • Dental • Vision • Behavioral Health & EAP • Employee Wellness Program • Financial Security Planning for Today and Tomorrow • Strong retirement and savings options • Basic Life Insurance • Life and Disability Insurance • Pension Plans • Supplemental Retirement Plans • 403b and 457b Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) • Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies, including:
• Paid Leave • Sick Leave • Vacation Days • Parental Leaves • Short-Term Disability • Religious Holidays Leaves
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools, CPS employees are required to:
• Establish and maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. • The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary or part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
Comprehensive Benefits Overview
For comprehensive details, please refer to the Chicago Public Schools A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook.