CLS - PROF Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports licensed Occupational Therapists (OTs) in providing therapeutic services to individuals who require occupational therapy to improve their daily living skills, independence, and overall quality of life. The COTA works under the guidance of the OT, implementing therapy plans, documenting progress, and helping clients achieve their therapy goals.

Requirements:

• Education Level: Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance from an accredited program
• License/Certification: Colorado state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
• Work Experience: Prior experience in occupational therapy or related healthcare settings is often preferred
• Other Skills and Abilities: Compassion, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills to connect with clients and their families. Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with clients, and support staff. Proficiency in understanding and implementing occupational therapy principles and techniques. Adaptability to changing therapy plans and the flexibility to cater to individual client needs. Organizational skills to maintain accurate client records and documentation. Physical stamina and dexterity to assist clients in therapy exercises and activities. Adherence to ethical, legal, and professional standards in the field of occupational therapy

Key Functions, Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the OT to assess the specific needs and challenges of students, including their sensory, motor, and developmental statuses.
• Implement therapy activities and exercises based on the guidance and goals set by the OT.
• Work with the educational team to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans for students requiring occupational therapy services.
• Maintain detailed records of student progress and therapy interventions, continuously updating and adapting therapy plans to address individual needs.
• Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, and parents to support students in their classroom environments, ensuring they can fully engage in academic and social activities.
• Provide guidance and interventions to address sensory processing challenges, helping students better manage sensory information and self-regulate.
• Teach students how to use assistive devices and adaptive equipment to enhance their independence and participation in school activities.
• Foster students' self-confidence and motivation through emotional support and encouragement, ensuring their active participation in the therapy process.
• Establish effective communication with students, their families, educators, and the school team to ensure a collaborative approach to student support.
• Maintain a safe therapy environment, adhere to relevant safety protocols, and ensure the safety of students during therapy sessions.
• Educate students and their families on the benefits of therapy, providing strategies for students to carry over progress in school and home settings.
• Ensure the proper maintenance and cleanliness of therapy equipment and tools used in school-based therapy.
• Uphold ethical and professional standards in all aspects of the role, including maintaining students' confidentiality and dignity.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work primarily in offices, hallways, gyms, classrooms, bathrooms, shops, playgrounds, cafeterias, portable buildings and pool environments. The employee may be required to work from a remote location in the event of a district shut-down or other event. Employees may be required to work evenings and weekends and attend events where community members are in attendance.
• Mental Functions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate, compare, analyze, coordinate, instruct, evaluate, and use interpersonal skills. Occasionally required to compile, copy, compute and negotiate.

Transparency in Pay and Benefits:

Adams 14 is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits and complies with Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our employees. Compensation for this position is $27.83 per hour to $43.91 per hour (2025-2026), based on verified experience and qualifications, and aligned with the Adams 14 salary schedule. This position is scheduled for 192 work days annually. Additional compensation opportunities may be available through stipends or supplemental assignments, depending on job responsibilities. Benefits include: Paid Time Off (PTO), Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, District contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free and confidential support services, Wellness and preventive care programs. Voluntary coverage options for life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, cancer care, legal assistance, and accident insurance are available for all full-time staff. Retirement and voluntary benefits include: Membership in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) and optional retirement savings plans including 403(b) and 457(b).