Certified Occupation Therapist Assistant (COTA)

2026-2027 School Year

Must be 21 years of age or older.

Required:  Must upload a copy of High School diploma, High School transcript, or G.E.D.

POSITION TITLE: Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

LOCATION: District

DATE POSTED: 01/15/2026

JOB NUMBER: CL002-27-10

HOURS/DAYS: 7.0/190

BENEFITS:  Non Rep (190-220 Day) Benefit Sheet

Sunnyside School District

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

REPORTS TO:  Director of Special Education and the Occupational Therapist

UNIT CLASSIFICATION: Non Rep

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The job of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is done under the supervision of an occupational therapist, conducting various tasks/treatment interventions to assist students with motor development and/or orthopedic/health impairments of multiple handicaps.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS*:

The occupational therapist assistant works on the acquisition of/or compensations for deficits in fine motor skills, sensory motor skills, visual motor and visual perceptual skills, and self-care skills. More specifically, occupational therapists assistants work with students on foundation skills needed for school participation through task analysis, individually selected motor activities, and consultation with team members to modify the environment, the instructional methodology, or to support student achievement on a particular classroom/vocational project.

1. Travels to assigned schools
2. Responds to requests for consultations on students or consults with Occupational Therapist on specific program needs
3. Implements service delivery on assigned students based on the goals, objectives, percentage of time, and placement as determined by the IEP 
4. Makes scheduling decisions for service delivery based on individual student and school needs
5. Utilizes an approach that encourages student participation in the least restrictive environment
6. Exhibits a knowledge of clinical theory and its application as it relates to the student's educational needs
7. Participates in the selection, design and/or construction of necessary adaptive equipment

Communication:

1. Maintains oral and written communication with educational personnel, parents, and community agencies regarding assigned schools and students. This can include, but is not limited to telephone calls, year-end reports, informal notes, and home programs
2. Works cooperatively with educational staff to identify areas where support is needed and provides training in the therapeutic management of students, such as positioning, safety, and use of mobility equipment
3. Provides suggestions for classroom, art, life skills, and career related activities

Program Management:

1. Maintains records on referred students including dates of referral, dates of response, and outcomes
2. Maintains a current schedule which is shared with assigned schools and the PT/OT program office staff
3. Maintains organized working files on assigned students
4. Follows documentation guidelines for student attendance and intervention notes
5. Recommends equipment, materials, and test supplies necessary for assigned schools and students
6. Attends scheduled meetings for staff development and training 

Professional Growth and Ethics:

1. Adheres to established federal, state, and local laws and regulations
2. Refines and develops professional skills through in-service training, professional reading, and continuing education
3. Maintains confidentiality of student information. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:  significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 35% sitting, 30% walking, and 35% standing.  The job is performed under a generally hazard free environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Successful job incumbents will demonstrate a level of the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed below.

Education and Experience

Community College and/or Vocational School degree with study in job related area.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Valid Washington State Drivers license or photo identification.

Social Security Card.

WSP/FBI fingerprint/background clearance.

State License Occupational Therapist Assistant

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Skills are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.  Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy; operating standard office equipment using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems.  Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes; student behavior management skills; adaptive equipment; and occupational therapy models, practices and theories.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT:  Non Exempt

EVALUATION:  Special Education Director or designee

* *   The list of essential functions in this job description is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary by determination of an appropriate administrator and Human Resources.

Last Revision: July 12, 2024; December 2, 2022