Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

School District 49 is actively seeking a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant within Special Services. This position is eligible for a one time signing bonus of $2,500 payable on December 15, 2026 and a retention bonus of $2,500 after three years of employment payable on June 15, 2030.

Calendar: School Year - 172 days Reports to: Special Education Zone Administrator / Assigned Occupational Therapist Hourly rate of pay: Starting pay is $28.74 per hour to $36.12 per hour depending upon previous relevant experience. Actual starting pay rate will be determined after a review of the work experience provided on the job application. Full-time or Part-time: Full-time Benefits: Benefits available

School District 49, the fastest growing district in the Pikes Peak region, hosts 23 exceptional schools and programs within four distinct innovation zones, providing preK-12-aligned curriculum, online and alternative programming and homeschool enrichment. Home to more than 23,000 students and 2,000 staff members, District 49 aims to be the best choice to learn, work and lead. As one of Colorado's only two recognized Districts of Innovation, District 49 is a challenging and stimulating place to lead. As part of our commitment to innovate, we host a robust portfolio of conventional, charter, online, and blended schools, including homeschool support as well as career and technical education. We are passionate about providing individualized educational experiences that launch every student toward success. Our teachers, administrators and staff members are committed to the creation of educational environments where all children can maximize their individual learning potential. Further, we are committed to meeting students' needs in all domains: academic, social and physical. An emphasis in all activities will be toward empowering students to take an active role in their own learning.

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) will work in a team environment in partnership with the Occupational Therapist, the general and special education teachers, and paraprofessionals in all school settings. Under the direct supervision of the Occupational Therapist (OT), the COTA will implement interventions and therapy regarding students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities, including; but not limited to, visual perceptual, visual motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, and muscle strength.

The following statements of essential functions and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position. Actual duties and responsibilities may vary depending on building assignment and other factors.

• Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
• Follows and implements documented treatment plans or protocols.
• Adapts school and classroom environment, tools, and materials under the supervision of the OT for the purpose of improving student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activities.
• Assists OT with assessing students' fine motor, and development skills, including; but not limited to, oral motor, sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, activities of daily living, fine motor function postural tone, etc. for the purpose of determining areas of concern and developing recommendations.
• Consults with OT, physical therapists, speech therapists, general and special education teachers, and paraprofessionals for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students' occupational therapy goals and objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations to implement goals.
• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents, and other involved persons on, including; but not limited to, positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc. for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student's IEP for use in the classroom.
• Consults with OT to participate in multidisciplinary meetings.
• Maintains files and/or records in cooperation with the OT, including; but not limited to, progress reports, activity logs, etc. for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring up-to-date for compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.
• Assists the OT during assessments by assisting with documentation and performing clerical duties including Kinney documentation and Medicaid billing.
• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition.
• Assists in providing training, consultation, and instruction to teachers on the use of adaptive devices and equipment to ensure devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved.
• Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices to ensure equipment is in proper working order.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position:

Education & Training

• Associate's degree in occupational therapy or graduation from a certified occupational therapy assistant program.
• Training in or willingness to train in nonviolent crisis intervention (CPI) techniques.

Experience

• No experience required; prior COTA experience in the educational setting is preferred.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal relation skills.
• Basic math and accounting skills.
• Customer service and public relations skills.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform responsibilities without the necessity of close supervision.
• Must be proficient in the use of personal computers and common software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Certificates, Licenses, & Registrations

• Criminal background check required for hire.
• Valid Colorado driver's license required for hire.

Other Work Factors

The physical demands, work environment factors and mental functions described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds frequently.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work primarily in a usual office or school environment.

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. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.