Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Reports to: Principals/Program Administrator for Exceptional Children; Occupational Therapists

Terms of Employment: 10 Months

Salary: Occupational Therapist Assistant MH10-MH12

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited educational curriculum for occupational therapy assistants (required) and two years of experience or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience
• NC Occupational Therapy Assistant License

Job Responsibilities:

• Implement occupational therapy interventions under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT).
• Provide input for treatment plans and progress updates.
• Assist with adapting and recommending classroom materials, low tech assistive devices, and environmental supports to support student access and participation.
• Support students in achieving IEP goals related to fine and visual motor skills, sensory processing and regulation, self-care and life skills, functional school participation.
• Support implementation of sensory strategies and accommodations.
• Provide in-class support or pull-out services as defined in the IEP.
• Record daily/weekly therapy notes and progress toward IEP goals.
• Maintain Medicaid billing documentation
• Ensure documentation aligns with NC DPI and district policies.
• Assist the supervising OT with data collection for evaluations and reevaluations.
• Train staff in strategies to help students generalize skills across settings.
• Travel between school sites (if working in multiple buildings).
• Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics per AOTA and school policy.
• Stay updated on best practices and continuing education as required for licensure.
• Collaborate with occupational therapists, teachers, EC staff, and families to support student needs.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

The major physical and cognitive requirements listed below are applicable to this job classification within Person County Schools.

Work in this classification is considered light physical work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.

• Walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, kneel, crouch, key requiring repetitive motions
• Use visual acuity in preparing and analyzing written or computer data
• Visually inspect small defects and/or small parts
• Operate a variety of machines, motor vehicles, hand, and job specific equipment and tools
• Determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work
• Observe general surroundings and activities
• Hear sufficiently to accurately perceive information at normally spoken word levels, receive detailed information through oral communications and make fine distinctions in
• Communicate by spoken word to express or exchange ideas and convey detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly
• Safely work in situations of exposure to blood borne pathogens which may require specialized personal protective equipment
• Demonstrate a working knowledge the theory, principles and methods of occupational therapy and their application
• Design or adapt equipment for individual needs
• Apply and use therapeutic equipment
• Communicate with students, parents and teachers
• Prepare and maintain accurate records

Approved by: Personnel Office

Reviewed: 5/2025

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job.