Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - 2026/2027 School Year

The University of Chicago Charter School is a neighborhood charter school on the South Side of Chicago. Comprised of three campuses spanning all grades from early childhood through high school, UChicago Charter is a PreK to 12 superhighway that empowers students to RISE to excellence at every level, cultivating critical thinkers and leaders for success in college and in life. North Kenwood/Oakland, founded in 1998, educates children from prekindergarten to grade five. Donoghue, created in 2005, also serves children from prekindergarten to grade five. Woodlawn, established in 2006, educates students from grade six to grade twelve.

Position Summary:

This position offers the opportunity to provide vital occupational therapy services across multiple school campuses. Under the direct supervision of the Occupational Therapist, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will work closely with students to support their developmental and functional goals and helping them improve and develop the skills needed for day-to-day life and work, according to the students' IEPs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

With assistance of the Occupational Therapist, develop and implement occupational therapy treatment programs based on each student's particular needs. Provide Occupational Therapy related service minutes as dictated on the student's IEP. Assist in developing and updating IEP goals. Collaborate with school teams to develop IEPs and Section 504 Plans to address student unique needs using evidence-based practices. Maintain accurate related service logs. Provide intervention services focusing on fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-help skills, and related areas. Monitor student progress and document outcomes according to school and legal requirements. Participate in team meetings and provide recommendations to support student success. Enhance student ability to learn through sensorimotor activities that address motor planning, attending and behavior issues. Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

Associate's degree required, Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in occupational therapy is Valid Illinois State license issued by the IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Previous experience working with children from culturally diverse backgrounds is required Reflective and receptive to professional feedback and coaching. Possess strong written and oral communication skills. Commitment to the success and achievement of all students. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, staff, students, parents, and community partners. Ability to communicate clearly with multiple stakeholders. Salary Range $50,000 - $60,000 The included pay rate or range represents the University of Chicago Charter School's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. The salary will be commensurate of years of experience and education. Benefits UChicago Charter School offers a wide range of benefits programs for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits guide. UCCS recruits, hires, compensates, promotes and otherwise manages employees and prospective employees on the basis of individual merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any and all other factors protected by law. This policy includes UCCS's commitment to maintain a workplace free from sexual or other unlawful harassment or discrimination of any nature.