Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) (26/27 SY)

An opportunity to Inspire, Challenge, and Empower!

Posting Information: We are currently hiring for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for the 2026-2027 school year.

Interview Process: If selected for an interview, you will be invited to complete an Asynchronous Virtual Interview, which should be completed within 48 hours of the invitation for best consideration. Candidates chosen for a second round interview will participate in an in-person interview.

Schedule: 180 days per school year, 7 hours per day with start and end times varying by building.

Location: Multiple. Will serve all buildings in alignment with program and student needs.

Salary: $33.91 - $39.68 per hour, depending on experience. The listed salary range is based on the 2025-2026 school year Non-Represented Support Staff salary schedule and will be updated once 2026-2027 salaries are finalized.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

BENEFITS:

12 sick leave days; health insurance benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS); other fringe benefits as allowed under School Board Policies and Procedures.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports Shelton School District's Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plans through occupational therapy services to children in the school setting under the direction of a licensed occupational therapist (OTR).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid occupational therapy assistant licensure with NBCOT and Washington State.
• Ability to pass a Federal Criminal Background Check.
• No experience required; experience preferred in working with students with special education needs.
• Ability to incorporate lightheartedness, humor, and fun into the workplace.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners.
• Ability and willingness to support and follow the Shelton School District Strategic Plan, School Improvement Plans, School Board Policies and Procedures, all regulations pertaining to public education and special education, and District initiatives.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office applications and Google Suite.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment including but not limited to copy machines and multi-line telephone systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and tact in all aspects of the job.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to maintain good standing with state and national certification.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
• Ability to drive and travel to multiple school locations daily.
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.
• Ability to occasionally work beyond the regularly scheduled hours to attend IEP meetings.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides occupational therapy services to students by direct or consultation to address range of motion, sensory strategies and techniques, fine and gross motor activities as related to IEP goals under the supervision of an OTR.
• Documents data for progress monitoring with district information technology systems.
• Reads and responds to emails.
• Consults and collaborates with teachers and teams by suggesting ideas for classroom interventions.
• Trains Para Educators as needed.
• Drives between schools as necessary.
• Prepares and plans for groups or individual sessions.
• Collaborates with OTR on a regular basis.
• Completes Medicaid documentation if requested to do so.
• Attends OT/PT professional learning meetings.
• Participates in continuing education courses or ongoing district professional development.
• Attends meetings as directed or appropriate.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Nondiscrimination Notice: Shelton School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, or honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination may be directed to the District's Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator, or Title IX Coordinator at twhiting@sheltonschools.org.