SPED - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - District Wide

Job Title: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Reports To: Occupational Therapist / Director of Special Services
Department: Special Services
Location: District Wide - Home base is at Mathes Early Learning Center

Job Summary:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports the educational team by providing occupational therapy services to students under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). The COTA helps students develop, improve, or restore skills necessary for academic success, daily living, and independence within the school environment. This is currently a full time position, but we are willing to negotiate. Hourly pay, very competitive with nearby school districts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement occupational therapy interventions and activities as prescribed by the supervising Occupational Therapist (OT).
  
  
• Collaborate with teachers and school staff to support student participation and success in the classroom.
  
  
• Work directly with students to improve fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, self-care, and organization.
  
  
• Collect and document data on student progress toward goals; maintain accurate records of therapy sessions.
  
  
• Assist in developing materials, strategies, and accommodations for student use.
  
  
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings as requested by the OT or special education team.
  
  
• Adhere to ethical, legal, and procedural standards in accordance with district policies and state/federal regulations.
  
  
• Participate in professional development and ongoing training.
  
  
• Travel between school sites as needed.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Education: Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
  
  
• Licensure/Certification:
  
  
• Current certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) as a COTA.
  
  
• Licensed by the state (if applicable).
  
  
• Experience: Previous experience working with children in a school or pediatric setting preferred.
  
  
• Skills: Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  
  

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  
  
• Frequent movement, including kneeling, crawling, and standing for extended periods.
  
  
• Ability to travel between school sites.
  
  

Work Environment:

• School setting (classrooms, therapy rooms, playgrounds, etc.)
  
  
• Interaction with students of varying abilities and needs.