Occupational Therapist

Job Title:

Occupational Therapist

Location:

Marjorie Kovler Center, Chicago, IL

Job Type: Regular, Part-time

Classification:
Exempt

Department: US Programs, Marjorie Kovler Center

Reports To:

Program Manager, Survivors of Torture Program

Work Arrangement:
On-site

Union:
Yes

Union Grade: 4

This position is subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement, including grade levels, salary scales, and other terms and conditions of employment, as negotiated and ratified by the parties.

About Heartland Alliance International & Marjorie Kovler Center:
Heartland Alliance International (HAI) is a global human rights organization advancing the health and human rights of marginalized communities. HAI implements programs addressing trauma-informed mental health care, access to justice for survivors of rights abuses, and stigma-free health services. Through innovative, equity-driven approaches, HAI promotes human rights protections and gender equality across its global and U.S.

-based programs.

HAI's Marjorie Kovler Center (MKC), based in Chicago, is a nationally recognized treatment center for survivors of torture and severe trauma and their families. Serving individuals from more than 60 countries, MKC provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health, medical, and social services. The center also advocates for the end of torture worldwide and for the rights of immigrant and refugee communities.

Summary:

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive individual and group services to individuals and families impacted by torture, forced displacement, and severe trauma. Embedded within the Marjorie Kovler Center’s integrated programs, the OT supports participants in restoring meaningful engagement in daily life through occupational therapy interventions. This role also includes supervision of OT students, internal and external training, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to support clinical direction and program development.

This position is part of the bargaining unit and governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. As a condition of employment, the employee shall remit dues or fees to the Union for contract administration.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Deliver trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically responsive occupational therapy services to individuals and families impacted by torture, forced displacement, and severe trauma.
• Conduct individual and group assessments and interventions on-site, in community settings, and virtually as needed.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams — including clinical, case management, medical, legal, and social service providers — to support participant goals and holistic care.
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with organizational and professional standards.
• Provide clinical supervision to OT students in alignment with AOTA guidelines and contribute to internal training and capacity building efforts.
• Participate in program development, including reviewing clinical policies, contributing to grant reporting, and supporting evaluation efforts.
• Represent the Marjorie Kovler Center in local and national coalitions, work groups, and community partnerships.
• Provide education and training to staff, volunteers, and external partners on the role of occupational therapy in trauma recovery and forced migration contexts.
• Demonstrate adaptability and initiative in a cross-cultural, trauma-informed environment.
• Participate in regular individual supervision, team meetings, and professional development activities.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, ethical standards, and applicable licensing requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of program and organizational goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.

• Current licensure as an Occupational Therapist in the State of Illinois.
• Minimum of 3–4 years of professional experience in occupational therapy, preferably in community-based or trauma-informed settings.
• At least 2–3 years of experience working with immigrant, refugee, or other vulnerable…