Job Information
Elgin Math and Science Academy Occupational Therapist in Elgin, Illinois
The Elgin Math and Science Academy Charter School (EMSA, www.elginmathandscience.org (http://www.elginmathandscience.org)) opened in August of 2018 to all students residing in the U-46 attendance area.
EMSA is seeking a compelling, committed, and resourceful Occupational Therapist that will help to establish positive relationships with students and families. EMSA's Occupational Therapist will provide problem-solving services to children and their families. The Occupational Therapist will also serve as a member of the diagnostic team, educational planning team, and the placement team for MDC's and IEP's.
The successful candidate in this role will use EL Education's Core Practices as the foundation of our message to ensure remarkable academic achievement, character development, and community involvement for all students. At EMSA, students and teachers will reach their highest potential through active exploratory learning and social responsibility in which:
Individuals of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome
Children's natural curiosity is nurtured
Students become leaders of their own learning
Teachers and students hold high standards
Critical thinking is central to math and science
Students develop skills to be responsible individuals
An EMSA Charter Crew Member will:
Operate with the understanding: Diversity is a fact, Inclusion is a behavior, Equity is the outcome
Work collaboratively with all members of the learning community to build relational trust and foster a growth mindset for all through modeling by taking professional risks, owning mistakes, and being metacognitive about their own growth and revision
Model EMSA's habits of scholarship in word and action and effectively build a positive school culture that promotes self-discipline
Challenge, engage, inspire and empower all students with the Wow & Wonder of EL Education
Engage in professional learning and implement a progressive, bold educational approach to fostering EL Education's Core Practices to inspire student success
Practice reflective and synthesizing professional practices to allow for a deeper understanding to manifest for implementation with the highest levels of fidelity
Establish clear and consistent assessment and progress monitoring techniques based on evidence to make decisions to meet student's needs and further their growth
Cultivate strong partnerships with families; all words and actions demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, belief in all students' capacity to succeed and a desire to create an amicably beneficial situation for everyone
Actively engage families and the community with expeditionary outcomes and critique of authentic student work
An ideal candidate is someone who:
Is able to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical journals, or governmental regulations
Is able to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures
Is able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups and individuals
Is able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Is able to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables
Is able to apply knowledge of current research and theory in instructional program
Is able to plan and implement lessons based on needs and abilities of students to whom assigned
Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community
Is able to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
Is able to perform all duties with the awareness of all school and state requirements
Is an extrovert with strong interpersonal skills, and delights in meeting and helping new people
Has strong communication and critical-thinking skills; is able to plan to avoid challenges, and adjust when challenges occur
Has a history of exceptional professionalism and a demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines
Wants to work in a feedback-rich culture, and is committed to ongoing improvement
Has personal or professional connections in the U-46 attendance area
Is committed to meeting the needs of every child in a diverse population and has demonstrated success working with low income and minority students
Has proven ability to work as a member of a team
Is a self-starter interested in working in a fast-paced, startup environment that requires flexible roles
As an EMSA Occupational Therapist you will:
Assessments: Completes screening or "Request for Therapy Assistance" as asked by the educational team. Selects, administers and interprets assessments to determine functional skill level of students. Generates a written report for initial, reevaluation and annual progress reports in a timely manner and presents reports at IEP meetings. Establishes students' goals and benchmarks and updates benchmarks according to Special Education guidelines
Service Delivery: Implements educationally relevant services for assigned caseload. Actively participates in team meetings, IEP meetings and student community appointments as indicated. Ensures equipment is properly fitted to students and in good working order. Completes safety checks per departmental guidelines. Organizes, shares and utilizes work area cooperatively.
Program Administration and Management: Prepares and efficiently manages a weekly schedule. Updates student caseload on department database monthly. Maintains complete working student files per departmental guidelines. Maintains a record keeping system for student attendance and progress. Evaluates the need for and requests equipment and materials necessary for safe service delivery. Updates inventory of equipment and supplies used in programming on department data base. Completes My Service Tracker and Time Study as required.
Consultation: Provides in-service training and information for teachers, staff members and parents, according to program needs. Provides written consultation reports and classroom programs for individual students, as needed. Promotes a positive atmosphere for constructive interchange and problem resolution.
Professional Responsibilities and Development: Represents Therapy Services in a professional and knowledgeable manner. Completes annual Therapist professional development plan and reviews with Department Supervisor. Attends and is proactively involved in departmental staff meetings. Participates in at least 2 departmental and/or district committees. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships. Pursues ongoing professional development.
Appropriate Illinois certification for Occupational Therapy
Possess the ability to work with a variety of students.
Communicates effectively both verbally and written.
Demonstrates flexibility with job responsibilities.
Able to function with minimal supervision
QUALIFICATIONS
Completed an accredited college program and maintains an Illinois State professional license in Occupational Therapy.
Previous Pediatric School based or clinic based occupational therapy position or field work experience is preferred.
Physical Demands
Required prolonged sitting or standing.
Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull or push heavy objects or materials.
Occasional stooping, bending, and reaching.
Fluent in Spanish and English preferred
Expertise in working with English Language Learners
Expertise in working with low-income populations
Hiring Timeline and Application Process
We seek to hire a Occupational Therapist for an August, 2024 start.
Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity
EMSA seeks individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position. We are committed to
maximizing the diversity of our organization and want to engage all those who can contribute
to this effort. EMSA provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees
and prohibits discrimination with respect to the hiring or promotion of individuals, conditions of
employment, disciplinary and discharge practices, or any other aspect of employment on the basis
of gender, race, color, ethnicity, disability, or any other factor which cannot lawful be used as a
basis for an employment decision.