Onward Search Education is a specialized education staffing and talent solutions company that helps educators, therapists, and school health professionals find top jobs with the nation's top schools. We're currently hiring a School-Based Occupational Therapist in Lake County, IL (Highland Park/North Shore area) for the 2025–2026 school year. This is a full-time opportunity.

This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact across multiple school sites, working with a diverse student population ranging from early childhood through transition-age students.

Position Details:

Position: School-Based Occupational Therapist
Location: Highland Park, IL
Duration: Approximately August 18, 2025 – June 5, 2026
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 35 Hours Per Week
Setting: Itinerant across multiple schools
Caseload: Students ages EC through transition, with varying diagnoses and support needs

Responsibilities:

• Provide occupational therapy services aligned with students' IEPs and 504 Plans.

• Conduct evaluations in areas such as fine motor, sensory processing, and daily living skills.

• Develop individualized therapy plans and measurable goals.

• Deliver therapy through direct sessions, in-class consultation, and small groups.

• Participate in IEP meetings and collaborate on service planning.

• Maintain compliance documentation, progress reports, and billing records.

• Work closely with educators, families, and related service providers.

• Provide consultation and training for staff and caregivers on strategy implementation.

• Stay current with best practices and implement appropriate therapy technologies.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.

• Active Illinois OT license (PEL not required).

• Experience with students across developmental levels and support needs.

• Familiarity with IDEA, IEP procedures, and pre-referral systems.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Proficiency in evaluating fine motor, sensory, and adaptive functioning.

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: 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.