Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Type: Student Support Services/Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Date Posted: 7/30/2026 Location: Special Services Date Available: 2026-2027 School Year Closing Date: Until Filled Special Services - Delta County School District Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Reports To - Director of Special Education and/or Supervising Occupational Therapist North Fork regions 2026-2027 School Year $65,089/year + Depending on Experience Health Insurance is available through the School District Retirement benefits through PERA Must Pass and pay for a Fingerprint/Background Check Position Summary The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports students with disabilities and developmental delays by implementing occupational therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). The COTA assists students in developing the skills necessary to participate successfully in educational activities and school routines, promoting independence, access to the curriculum, and achievement of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Services are provided in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Colorado Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA), Colorado Department of Education (CDE) guidelines, district policies, and professional occupational therapy standards. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Student Services Implement occupational therapy treatment plans and interventions developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist. Provide direct occupational therapy services to individual students and small groups in accordance with IEP goals and service plans. Assist students in developing fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, self-care, executive functioning, and functional school participation skills. Support students in accessing educational environments and participating in classroom activities. Utilize adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and therapeutic techniques as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist. Deliver occupational therapy services as a related service under IDEA and Colorado ECEA requirements. Support implementation of accommodations and modifications that facilitate student participation in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Assist students in developing skills needed for educational access, participation, and independence within school routines and activities. Monitor student progress and document therapy sessions, observations, and outcomes. Support students ages birth through 21, as appropriate within district special education programs. Collaboration and Consultation Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, teachers, special education staff, administrators, related service providers, and families to support student success. Assist in implementing classroom accommodations and modifications related to occupational therapy recommendations. Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and other educational planning meetings as requested. Provide feedback regarding student performance and progress to the supervising Occupational Therapist. Collaborate with school teams to identify barriers to student participation and assist with implementation of intervention strategies. Provide training and support to educational staff regarding occupational therapy recommendations as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist. Documentation and Compliance Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in compliance with district policies, IDEA, FERPA, Colorado ECEA requirements, and state regulations. Collect and organize data related to student progress toward therapy goals. Assist with scheduling therapy sessions and maintaining service logs. Maintain documentation required for special education compliance, Medicaid reimbursement (when applicable), and district reporting requirements. Ensure therapy materials, equipment, and treatment areas are safe, clean, and properly maintained. Comply with all Colorado Department of Education (CDE), Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), district policies, and professional standards. Professional Responsibilities Adhere to ethical and professional standards established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), NBCOT, and Colorado licensure requirements. Maintain required certification, licensure, and continuing competency requirements. Participate in district training, professional development activities, and staff meetings. Demonstrate effective communication, professionalism, and positive working relationships with students, families, and staff. Stay current with best practices in pediatric and school-based occupational therapy services. Qualifications Required Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Current Occupational Therapy Assistant license issued by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Ability to work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist in accordance with Colorado laws and regulations. Experience working with children or adolescents. Knowledge of child development, disabilities, and educational service delivery models. Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel. Successful completion of all required background checks, fingerprinting, and district employment requirements. Preferred Previous experience in a school-based occupational therapy setting. Experience supporting students with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, orthopedic impairments, sensory processing challenges, and other disabilities. Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Colorado Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) requirements. Experience with Colorado IEP processes, progress monitoring systems, and Medicaid billing procedures. Experience with assistive technology and adaptive equipment. Bilingual skills, particularly Spanish-English. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, practices, and school-based service delivery models. Understanding of special education laws, regulations, and related services requirements. Ability to implement therapeutic interventions under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. Knowledge of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team. Proficiency with technology and electronic documentation systems. Physical Demands Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and position equipment and materials up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and move throughout the workday. Ability to physically assist students as required by therapy plans and student needs. Ability to travel between district school sites. Work Environment The work environment includes classrooms, therapy rooms, playgrounds, cafeterias, vocational settings, and other educational environments. The position may require travel between multiple district locations and interaction with students exhibiting a variety of physical, behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs. Terms of Employment School-year position (typically 180 190 contract days annually). Salary and benefits in accordance with the district's classified salary schedule and applicable policies. Placement on the salary schedule may consider education, relevant experience, certifications, and collective bargaining agreements, where applicable. Hours and assignments determined by district needs. License and Certification Requirements Employees must maintain all required Colorado licensure, certification, and continuing competency requirements throughout employment. Failure to maintain required credentials may result in reassignment, disciplinary action, or termination of employment. Evaluation Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with district policies, Colorado Department of Education requirements, state regulations, and established professional standards. Delta County School District 50J