School-Based Occupational Therapist
Burbank, Illinois
AERO Special Education Cooperative

Occupational Therapist - Travel/Contract Position

Location: Burbank, Illinois
Specialty: Therapy/Rehabilitation
Contract Length: 22 weeks (interpreted as weeks)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Start Date: ASAP – 5/27/2026

Licensure & Certification Requirements

• Must have a valid Illinois Occupational Therapist (OT) license
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA or ARC) required for RNs and LVNs
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) may be required
• State Teaching Certificate with Learning Behavior Specialist 1 ("LBS1") endorsement required for Special Education Teachers
• NURSYS Verification required
• Educational Services - FERPA acknowledgment required and must be updated annually
• Illinois Mandated Reporter Training required (includes pre/post assessments and certificate)
• Other certifications and verifications as applicable to specialty and client requirements

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check within 1 year of start, updated annually, covering multiple jurisdictions and aliases
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 1 year of start, updated annually
• Fingerprinting via Illinois VECHS system required prior to start; handled by client at designated location
• State-specific searches including Illinois Sex Offender Registry and State Police Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry
• Completion of Illinois - IL DCFS Mandated Reporter Status Form within 24 hours of accepting offer
• Faith’s Law forms (Sexual Misconduct Disclosure and Authorization for Release) must be completed prior to start

Facility-Specific Requirements

• Must complete facility-specific forms prior to start, including:

  • Criminal Background Check form
  • Internet Usage Form
  • Employee Photo ID issuance on first day
  • Evidence of Physical Fitness (within 90 days of start)
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Training (certification allowed within 10 days of start)
  • Employee Information Sheet
  • Sexual Harassment Policy acknowledgment
  • Employment Checklist
  • Social Media Release
  • Receipt of Job Description
  • Employment Expectations

Health Requirements

• Physical exam required within 90 days of start, using facility-specific form
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray not required for this facility
• TB Questionnaire must be completed annually
• Hepatitis B consent or refusal form required
• COVID-19 vaccination preferred but not required
• Drug testing not required for this facility

Caseload & Work Environment

• Candidate should review the facility’s website to understand the student population served
• Interviews are conducted in-person only
• Submission requires three references, including two managerial/supervisory references

Additional Notes

• Candidate must bring unexpired government-issued photo ID for fingerprinting and employment processes
• Fingerprinting cost ($30) will be reimbursed
• Fingerprinting clearance must be current for the duration of the assignment; re-fingerprinting may be required for new contracts after 90 days
• Mandatory reporter training certificate must be renewed annually
• Some competency exams may be required if specified by the client

This position is ideal for Occupational Therapists licensed in Illinois who are comfortable working in a special education cooperative setting and meeting state-mandated educational service requirements.