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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 40,000 people, most of them teachers.  CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.  In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.  Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Related Service Providers, the Related Service Provider Manager for Occupational and Physical Therapy (RSP Manager) is responsible for the professional development and evaluation of related service providers who provide support to schools, and service students with diverse learning needs. The RSP Manager supports services and resources related to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The RSP Manager supports principals and school staff in seeking appropriate services for students and collaborates with other OSD staff to support principals and other school personnel in working with students who demonstrate deficits in the area of independent functioning, related to occupational performance or functional mobility and environmental access. The RSP Manager responds to principal and staff needs relevant to related service provider school assignments and evaluations, as well as timely, effective, and efficient problem-solving. Through collaboration and advocacy, the RSP Manager champions district system goals and priorities that align with the vision, mission, and goals of the Office for Students with Disabilities.

The RSP Manager, Occupational and Physical Therapy will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

●    Implements the training of related service providers to enhance their effectiveness and efficiencies

●    In collaboration with CPS Talent office, actively recruits and participates in the hiring of related service providers

●    Develops, approves, and monitors the assignments and schedules for related service providers - District and agency-based staff

●    Develops, collects, monitors, and analyzes data that contributes to increasing the academic achievement of all students

●    Monitors and provides constant data reporting regarding respective budget classifications associated with the staffing and servicing of related service providers

●    Works closely with the Director of Related Service Providers to optimize the well-being of students and ensure efficient resource allocation

●    Works cooperatively with Networks, schools, central office management, parents, and other stakeholders to continually improve programs

●    Takes responsibility for professional development by staying updated on literature, research findings, and delivery techniques through attending meetings and other means.

●    Facilitates performance evaluations for related service providers and provides targeted feedback to enhance performance and student outcomes

●    Manages, monitors and contributes to the budgeting and planning initiatives related to day-to-day operational and long-term goals.

●    Performs related duties and other tasks as assigned and work streams

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the RSP Manager, Occupational and Physical Therapy, must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required: 

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, required 
• Doctorate degree, preferred
• Valid Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist license with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) and/or a valid Professional Education License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with a school support personnel endorsement, including School Social Worker, School Counselor, School Psychologist, School Nurse, and Speech-Language Pathologist.  
• REACH certification or commitment to complete REACH certification within timeline specified by manager
• Principal endorsement/valid State of Illinois General Administrative Certificate, preferred

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of five (5) years working as a related service provider (e.g., occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, etc.) in a school or clinical setting
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a manager or supervisor of staff

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

●    Familiarity with CPS district and show a strong commitment to equity of services

●    Ability to establish excellent working relationships with key stakeholder groups (e.g., collective bargaining units, building administrators, directors, etc.)

●    Innovative thinker and commitment to excellence

●    Track record of successful team leadership

●    High level of initiative, keen leadership skills, commitment to drive a high level of collaboration in all CPS functions, and strives to improve overall OSD functions

●    Ability to proactively approach problem-solving

●    Ability to quickly process complex information and present it clearly and simply to varied stakeholders (related services team, school personnel, central office, and families)

●    Responsive to feedback

●    Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

●    Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

●    Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.