Job Description

Job Title: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - School-Based

Department: Exceptional Children (EC) Services / Student Support Services

Reports To: Lead Occupational Therapist / Director of Exceptional Children Services

Term of Employment: [10-Month ] Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Overview

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) plays a key role in supporting students with physical, sensory, cognitive, or fine motor challenges so they can fully participate in the educational environment. Working under the supervision and guidance of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), the COTA delivers school-based occupational therapy services to students qualifying for support through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.

This itinerant position serves designated K-12 schools across the district, collaborating closely with teachers, special education staff, and multidisciplinary teams to promote student independence and functional success in the classroom.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Duties

Direct Intervention & Student Support

• Implement therapeutic treatment programs developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) to help students meet their educational goals.
• Guide students through interventions targeting fine motor control, visual-motor integration, sensory processing/regulation, motor planning, handwriting, and visual perception.
• Assist students in mastering functional daily living skills needed in the school setting, such as eating, dressing, bathroom routines, managing school supplies, and navigating school grounds.
• Fabricate, adapt, adjust, and train staff/students on the safe use of adaptive equipment, therapeutic seating, pencil grips, slant boards, and assistive technology.

Collaboration & Classroom Integration

• Consult with classroom teachers, Exceptional Children (EC) staff, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and instructional assistants to integrate OT strategies and accommodations into daily classroom routines.
• Assist school teams with Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) / Response to Intervention (RtI) strategies prior to or alongside formal special education referrals.
• Recommend and demonstrate environment/classroom adaptations that facilitate student access and engagement (e.g., sensory breaks, alternative seating).

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely, detailed, and accurate service logs, progress notes, and session documentation in accordance with NC Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI) standards and district policy.
• Complete required documentation for Medicaid billing (via ECATS or district-designated system) for eligible therapy services.
• Provide objective performance data and functional observations to the supervising Occupational Therapist for annual IEP reviews, re-evaluations, and quarterly progress reports.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records and information in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations.

Departmental & Operations Support

• Maintain therapy materials, sanitize tools, and ensure adaptive equipment is in proper working order across assigned school sites.
• Participate in relevant staff development, district-wide EC department meetings, and school-level team meetings.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Licensure

• Education: Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from an ACOTE-accredited institution.
• State Licensure: Active, unencumbered license as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant issued by the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy (NCBOT) .
• Certification: Current certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) .
• Driver's License: Valid North Carolina Driver's License and reliable transportation (travel between multiple district school sites is required).

Knowledge, Skills, & Experience

• Experience: Prior school-based or pediatric occupational therapy experience preferred.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and NC DPI Exceptional Children guidelines is highly desirable.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with educators, parents, and administrative staff.
• Flexibility & Autonomy: Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a varied schedule across multiple school buildings independently.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Environment: Works across multiple K-12 school settings (classrooms, sensory rooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, and buses).
• Physical Effort: Ability to stand, walk, squat, kneel, sit on the floor or low furniture with young children, and lift or assist in transferring students weighing up to 40-50 lbs.
• Travel: Daily travel between assigned school facilities within the district.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: Based on the North Carolina State Public School Salary Schedule for Classified Personnel / COTAs
• State Benefits:
• • Enrollment in the State Health Plan of North Carolina .
  • Participation in the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS) .
  • Paid annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and paid state holidays.
  • Access to voluntary dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Professional Growth: District-provided professional development and CEU support opportunities.

Job Tags

Full time, Flexible hours

Similar Jobs