Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Type:
Student Support Services/Occupational Therapy

Date Posted:
7/22/2026

Location:
Milford District Office

Date Available:
August 2026

Closing Date:
07/27/2026

District:
Milford School District
Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), 11-month employment
Location: Milford School District
Reports To: Director of Special Programs
Starting Date: August 2026
Application Deadline: July 27, 2026 or Until Filled

Position Summary: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports the delivery of school-based occupational therapy services under the supervision and direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist, in accordance with Delaware Board of Occupational Therapy Practice requirements. The COTA assists in implementing individualized intervention plans that promote student independence, functional performance, and access to the educational environment. This role involves close collaboration with related service providers, teachers, families, and administrators to support the development of occupational skills that enhance student participation in academic tasks, daily living routines, and pre-vocational activities. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and accurate data collection are essential. Experience in school-based or pediatric therapy settings is preferred.

Qualifications:

• Hold or be eligible for a license as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in the State of Delaware issued by Delaware Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
• Experience as a COTA in a school system or other pediatric practice setting preferred.

Performance Responsibilities: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or ability associated with this role but is intended to accurately reflect the principle job elements.

• Assist in the delivery of occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist by implementing intervention plans and reinforcing occupational skills that support student independence and functional performance.
• Support students in developing occupational skills that promote success in academic tasks, daily living routines, and pre-vocational activities.
• Collaborate and co-treat with physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other related service providers as appropriate.
• Provide observations and input on student performance to assist the supervising OT in developing and updating IEP goals, benchmarks, and service recommendations.
• Create and maintain therapy schedules, prepare materials, and organize treatment sessions to support efficient and effective service delivery.
• Implement and model sensory-motor strategies, task modifications, and the use of therapy materials, tools, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology.
• Deliver direct individual and group therapy, as well as indirect consultative support, in accordance with IEP requirements and under the direction of the supervising OT.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising OT, teachers, administrators, parents, and staff regarding student participation, progress, and functional needs.
• Collaborate with school personnel to identify student needs and contribute to solutions addressing learning, behavioral, sensory, and functional challenges.
  Participate in IEP meetings, student meetings, and relevant school committees as requested by the supervising OT or administration.
  Maintain accurate documentation, data collection, and professional records in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements.
• Engage in required district professional development and pursue additional learning opportunities to support continued professional competence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Employment Condition: By accepting employment as an 11-month employee with the Milford School District, you acknowledge and understand that:

• A primary responsibility during the summer months (June-August) is to support district-run summer programming for special education students, Extended School Year (ESY), and/or other specialized instructional or support services.
• 11-month employees are expected to maintain flexibility in scheduling to fulfill assigned duties related to summer instruction, student services, or program coordination. The Director of Special Programs shall make every effort to inform 11-month employees of their assigned summer responsibilities by the end of May.

Terms of Employment: Eleven-month (11) full-time employee. The 11-month work calendar includes an extended contract period beyond the standard 10-month schedule, encompassing 19 summer days or 142.5 hours assigned by the Director of Special Programs.

Salary: Salary schedule is based on experience and degree and can be found on the district website: Compensation will be adjusted to reflect the total 11-month term, inclusive of these additional responsibilities.

Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated annually according to the Board's policy on professional personnel evaluation.

Application Process: Internal applicants must complete a shortened online application by clicking on "Employment" at the top of the website:

External applicants (including substitutes) must follow the application process. All qualified and interested persons are invited to complete the online application by clicking on "Employment" at the top of the website: Only completed application packets will be considered. The following items must be included:

• Resume
• Copy of unofficial transcripts
• Three separate letters of recommendation

Contact:
Director of Human Resources
906 Lakeview Avenue, Milford, DE 19963
Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Employment Contingent Upon Successful:

• Criminal Background Check
• Child Protection Registry Check
• Physician's Health Certification
• TB Test (within last five years)
• Verification of Credentials and Past Employment
• Adherence to School District Policies
• Milford School District Board of Education Approval

Milford School District reserves the right to take disciplinary action, including termination, if false or misleading statements or documents are discovered after employment is accepted. The District may also adjust the application or interview period, modify performance responsibilities, and reject any or all applications for reasonable cause.

The Milford School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against students, employees, applicants, visitors, or others, and does not deny access to educational or other services, based on any characteristic prohibited by law. If any person has a complaint alleging any action which is prohibited by this policy, they should contact the Title IX Coordinator or the District 504 and ADA Coordinator, 906 Lakeview Avenue, Milford, DE 19963, telephone View phone number on click.appcast.io.