Duties
he Occupational Therapist works 180 days per year for 7.5 hours per day and earns $57,469 - $101,985, depending on experience. In this role, the OT will support students in school settings by assessing their needs, developing individualized plans, and implementing interventions to help them succeed academically, socially, and physically.
Occupational Therapist Job Duties:
- Conduct evaluations: Assess students' motor, sensory, and functional abilities to identify areas of need and develop individualized therapy plans.
- Provide direct services: Deliver targeted occupational therapy interventions in accordance with students' IEPs, helping them achieve academic and developmental goals.
- Collaborate with school teams: Work closely with teachers, administrators, and other specialists to create supportive learning environments tailored to students' unique needs.
- Maintain records: Document assessments, progress notes, and reports in compliance with school district and state regulations.
- Participate in IEP meetings: Contribute to the development of IEPs by offering insights on motor development, sensory needs, and appropriate accommodations or modifications.
Qualifications
Occupational Therapy Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an accredited program in occupational therapy.
- Illinois licensure or the ability to practice in Illinois as determined by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
- Proficiency with school-based technology and office equipment, including computers and specialized software applications like Microsoft and Google Suite.
Salary/Benefits
Occupational Therapist Benefits:
- Group Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance: Available for employees working 0.75 FTE or more, with PPO and HSA options.
- Defined-Benefit Pension Plans: As a local governmental agency, NIA OTs who work more than 600 hours per year participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), providing a stable, defined-benefit pension that ensures financial security in retirement.
- Learn more about IMRF at (https://www.imrf.org/
- Additional Retirement Savings Options: NIA also offers access to 403(b) and 457 retirement savings plans. These are optional, employee-funded plans that provide additional opportunities for tax-advantaged savings, helping you build a more robust retirement strategy.
- Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave: Based on the number of days worked.
- Telemedicine: Access to 1800MD telemedicine services at no cost.
- Summer Work Opportunities: Opportunities to pick up additional summer work and earn extra pay.
- Summers Off with Year-Round Pay
- $3,000 Signing Bonus
- Expert Feedback and Evaluation: Receive guidance and evaluation from leaders who understand your expertise
- Ready Access to Equipment and Testing Materials
- Ongoing Professional Development: Enhance your knowledge and skills for school-based services
- Collaborative Environment: Engage in monthly meetings, roundtable discussions, and collaboration time with colleagues
- Regular 1:1 Check-Ins: Stay connected with your NIA leaders through regular check
Additional Notes
NIA is a Special Education Cooperative which supports districts to meet the needs of their students with disabilities. The leadership of NIA are therapists (OT, PT, SLPs) and educators with many years of experience working in schools. We provide…
- Easy access to same discipline supervisor to support your professional growth and problem solving
- “Buddy Program” for new hires to enhance your thorough orientation
- Equipment and testing materials readily available for your use
- Access to professional development courses to increase your knowledge and skills for school-based services
- Collaboration time with colleagues (during monthly meetings and roundtable discussions)
- Participation in annual performance reviews
- Real-time connection and collaboration with colleagues across our region through our intranet which looks and feels like a social media platform
- Participation in process improvement committees to promote best practice services and efficient processes
- Meetings with your leaders regularly through 1:1 check-ins and monthly team meetings
How to Apply
Go to: https://www.thenia.org/employment/
Link to District/Third Party Online Application Web Page
https://www.thenia.org/employment/