Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Title: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Reports to: Director of Nursing Status: Non-Exempt Salary Range: $30.00-$35.00 per hour Primary Responsibility: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports the provision of occupational therapy services to students with diverse learning, developmental, physical, and emotional needs in a special education day school setting. Working under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), the COTA implements individualized therapy plans that promote students’ functional independence, participation in the school environment, and access to their educational programming. Key Responsibilities: •Direct Student Support •Implement OT treatment plans designed by supervising OT in alignment with students’ IEP goals. •Support students in developing skills related to sensory regulation, fine motor development, visual–motor integration, self-care, executive functioning, and school participation. •Lead or assist with individual, small-group, and classroom-based interventions. •Provide sensory support, movement breaks, and environmental modifications to enhance student engagement and regulation. •Assist students with adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and functional classroom materials. •Collaboration & School Integration •Work collaboratively with teachers, paraprofessionals, clinicians, medical team, and administrators. •Participate in team meetings and provide input on student progress, needs, and strategies. •Support implementation of OT recommendations within classrooms and other school spaces. •Communicate effectively with youth and staff while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. •Documentation & Compliance •Maintain accurate daily session notes, data collection, and progress documentation according to school and state guidelines. •Document student performance and promptly communicate changes or concerns to the supervising OT. •Assist with preparation of materials and data for IEP meetings, progress reports, and evaluations. •Environment, Materials & Safety •Prepare and organize therapy materials, sensory tools, and adaptive equipment. •Ensure daily, weekly and monthly cleaning and sanitizing tasks are completed timely. •Support safe use of equipment and follow all school safety procedures. •Assist with monitoring and maintaining the OT room or sensory spaces. In all areas, perform other related duties as required and/or assigned. Education/Qualifications •Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program. •Current state licensure/certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). •Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Knowledge/Experience: •Experience working with children or adolescents, preferably in educational or special needs settings. Skills/Abilities: •Knowledge of sensory processing and regulation strategies. •Experience with students diagnosed with autism, developmental delays, emotional/behavioral needs, physical impairments, or complex learning needs. •Familiarity with IEPs, special education processes, and data-driven progress monitoring. •Ability to adapt interventions based on student needs and responses. •Patience, compassion, creativity, and flexibility. Physical/Mental Requirements: •Must be able to read, write, and speak English. Bilingual capacity in English/Spanish an asset. •Must be able to communicate effectively by telephone and in person. •Must be proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and have the ability to quickly learn any needed new computer skills •Must be able to bend, assist in lifting a person, twist and sit on floor for implementation of daily schedule. •Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. •Must be able to physically escort and/or physically restrain residents. •Must have manual dexterity and motor skills to grasp and lift objects. •Must be able to bend and lift to purchase and/or access program supplies. •Must be able to walk and climb stairs for entry and mobility throughout the buildings, which may have several levels of stairs as well as for program implementation. •Must be able to walk, run and hike, swim and join in other physical activities with individuals. •Must demonstrate maturity and ability to deal effectively with emotionally demanding and stressful situations. •Must be able to observe behavior, interactions between individuals and relate observations to the appropriate person. •Must be able to understand and carry out both written and verbal directions and instructions in a timely manner. •Must be able to meet deadlines and complete work in an environment that may at times be noisy and chaotic. •Must continue to achieve satisfactory competency and performance evaluation annually. Procedure: Date: Approved by Board of Directors:01/2026 Distributed: 01/2026

Salary : $30 - $35