An Occupational Therapist helps patients with injuries, illnesses, and disabilities recover, improve, or develop skills needed for everyday activities. Assists people with mobility impairments to move easily around their homes; develops school and workplace settings that are accessible for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. May specialize in certain types of impairments or certain categories of patients.
Onward Education is a specialized education staffing and talent solutions company that helps educators, therapists, and school health professionals find rewarding opportunities with school districts nationwide. We're currently hiring a School-Based Occupational Therapist (OT) for the 2026-2027 school year in Cook County, Illinois . This full-time opportunity offers the chance to make a meaningful impact supporting students in the educational setting. As a School-Based Occupational Therapist, you will help students develop the fine motor, sensory, self-care, and functional skills needed to access their education and participate successfully throughout the school day. You'll collaborate with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams to promote student growth and independence.
Position Details:
Location:
Onsite in
Cook County, IL School Year:
2026-2027
Schedule:
Full-Time, Monday-Friday Weekly Hours:
Full-time school hours
Start Date:
August 2026 (or based on district needs)
Responsibilities:
Provide school-based occupational therapy services aligned with IEP and 504 goals. Evaluate student needs and develop individualized intervention strategies to support educational participation. Support students with fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, and self-regulation skills. Recommend and implement adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications as appropriate. Collaborate with teachers, families, and related service providers to support student success across school environments. Monitor student progress and adjust interventions as needed to support goal achievement. Maintain accurate documentation and compliance with school, district, state, and federal requirements. Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and professional development activities.
Qualifications:
Valid Illinois Occupational Therapist license School-based or pediatric experience preferred Knowledge of IEP processes, educational service delivery, and special education regulations Strong communication, documentation, and collaboration skills Ability to work onsite and effectively support students in an educational setting
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. Why Apply? This is a great opportunity for an OT seeking a full-time school-year role focused on supporting student independence, participation, and success throughout the academic year. Join a collaborative team dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and thrive in the classroom. Ready to Join Us? Apply today - we'd love to connect and learn more about 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.
