Onward Education helps educators, therapists, and school health professionals find rewarding opportunities with school districts nationwide. We're currently hiring School-Based Occupational Therapists (OTs) to support Extended School Year (ESY) services and/or the upcoming school year in Lake County, Illinois.

In this role, the Occupational Therapist supports students with fine motor, sensory, and functional skills to help them succeed in school. Services are provided in alignment with IEP/504 goals, in collaboration with school staff and families. This is an itinerant position that involves traveling between school sites during the day; mileage is reimbursed. Candidates available for both ESY and the upcoming school year are preferred, though ESY-only or school-year-only availability will be considered.

POSITION DETAILS:

• Location: In-person (On-site), Lake County, IL
• Assignment: Extended School Year (ESY)
• Additional Opportunity: Upcoming 2026-2027 School Year (preferred, not required)
• Weekly Hours: Varies

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide school-based OT services aligned with IEP/504 goals
• Support students with fine motor skills (handwriting, cutting, classroom tool use)
• Address sensory processing and self-regulation needs to support classroom participation
• Recommend and support use of adaptive tools/equipment (as appropriate)
• Collaborate with teachers, service providers, and families to implement strategies across the school day
• Document services and student progress in accordance with school and compliance requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Illinois Occupational Therapist license (required)
• School-based experience preferred (ESY experience a plus)
• Strong communication, documentation, and collaboration skills
• Ability to work on-site and manage an itinerant schedule

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 looking for a meaningful ESY and/or school-year opportunity and enjoy helping students build independence and access learning, this role is a great fit.

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.