CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (COTA)

2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Bridgeport Public Schools
Human Resources Department
45 Lyon Terrace, Room 324
Bridgeport, CT 06604

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICE JOB OPENING
CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (COTA)
SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT TO BE DETERMINED
STARTING SALARY: $53,525.99
*
35-HOURS PER WEEK

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Schedules student therapeutic sessions in collaboration with licensed and certified occupational therapist (OTR/L), teachers, and/or other related service personnel to implement therapy programs focused on achieving educational goals and objectives as outlined in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Implements therapy programs/plans designed to help students function independently under the direction of an OTR/L.
• Conducts safe, therapeutically appropriate individual and group therapy based on a students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Develops and maintains effective communication with all team members (student, family, teachers, and other related service personnel) to represent OT needs and contribute to the development of OT-related services.
• Consults with members of PPT team when making recommendations for treatment, adaptations, modifications, and other supports to educational program based upon clinical judgment and best practice guidelines.
• Maintains appropriate student goals based on data and student progress that are identified as needed in the most current evaluations under the direction of supervising OTR/L.
• In collaboration with OTR/L, completes student observations and/or screenings to determine the need for further evaluation and/or appropriate recommendations.
• Completes/contributes to portions of occupational therapy evaluations, as appropriate, within scope of license, as requested by evaluating OTR/L.
• Participates in eligibility determination and IEP/PPT meetings and reports on student progress in attaining goals and objectives.
• Assists classroom staff in tasks including self-care and positioning of students and in the care of splints, adaptive utensils, and self-care aides.
• Submits requests for OT-based equipment needs, as per student treatment plan, to direct supervisor/s.
• Implements home programs and provides instruction for classroom staff, students, and families.
• Maintains current caseload information and accurate treatment data, completes progress summaries, and updates student files in a timely manner.
• Assists OTR/Ls in maintaining compliance of federal, state, and district mandates as it relates to the development and maintenance of Individualized Education Plans (IEP), Medicaid billing, treatment plans, and therapy log development.
• Participate in professional learning opportunities to maintain best practice standards and implement pertinent evidence-based research into daily practice.
• Meets with and maintains ongoing communication with supervising OTR/L on a regular basis regarding student needs and OT programing.
• Serves and protects the occupational therapy practice by adhering to professional standards, policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) standards.
• Other duties as assigned by OTR/L or department administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Connecticut licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and certification by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Superior organizational, oral and written communication skills.
• Strong and effective communication and collaboration with all staff, students, parents and community representatives.
• Demonstrate commitment to department “team” concept and the success of the organization.
• Demonstrate consistent and punctual attendance to designated school/therapy sites.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment to maintain consistent schedules and provide all therapeutic services as assigned.
• Ability to meet deadlines as required.
• Ability to travel to service students at more than one school location during the workday.
• Knowledge of Special Education (IEP/504) policies and procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of a public-school policies and procedures preferred.
• Computer literate.

This job description is not, nor is it intended to be, a complete statement of all duties, functions, responsibilities, qualifications, physical, and cognitive, which comprise this position. The above is intended to be a fair representation of the "typical" demands of the position. In all cases, these relationships, functions, and their applications are subject to change by the Superintendent.

*This position isin accordance with the Agreement between the City of Bridgeport and the Connecticut Laborer’s District Council for the Bridgeport Public Employees Union Local 1224 (LIUNA). The salary to commensurate with experience and qualifications. Current BPS employees in the LIUNA Bargaining Unit will be given first opportunity to fill the position.

It is the policy of the Bridgeport Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, present or past mental disorder, mental retardation, or learning ability, in any of its education programs, activities, or employment practices. The Bridgeport Board of Education is an affirmative action/Equal Opportunity organization.