School-Based COTA (Autism / Sensory Integration)

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) – Full-Time, School-Based

The Helix School is seeking a full-time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide school-based occupational therapy services for autistic students ages 5–22 in the Bay Area. This role works collaboratively with Occupational Therapists, educators, and interdisciplinary specialists to support IEP goals, sensory regulation, motor development, and student independence.

Location: Bay Area Schedule: Full-time, academic year + Extended School Year (June–July) Setting: Special education / school-based

Key Requirements

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
• California licensure (active)
• School-based or pediatric experience preferred
• Experience with autism and sensory processing strongly preferred
• Familiarity with IEPs and interdisciplinary teams

Core Responsibilities

• Deliver OT services aligned with IEP goals under OT supervision
• Maintain daily session notes and quarterly progress reports
• Collaborate with teachers, aides, and specialists
• Support sensory, motor, and executive function strategies in classrooms

Responsibilities:

• Understands and adheres to established School policies and procedures
• Meets regularly with OT(s) for review and implementation of OT plan of care and implementation
• Performs services planned, delegated, and supervised by the OT(s)
• Consults with OT(s) regarding change in treatment
• Maintains clear and timely documentation, including daily session notes and quarterly progress reports
• Provides consultation and collaboration with teachers, aides, specialists, and parents
• Supports classroom teams with implementation of motor, sensory, and executive function supports and strategies
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and student planning
• Contributes to staff training and parent education as needed
• Participates in in-service education and presents in-service programs as assigned
• Participates in performance improvement activities as assigned
• Attends all IEP meetings, team meetings, and/or parent meetings as scheduled
• Supervises Level I occupational therapy fieldwork students a minimum of once per year as needed.

Note: The COTA is NOT able to conduct evaluations, interpret data, alter IEP plans, or perform any task without the express knowledge and approval of the supervising OT.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Up to $85,000, commensurate with experience

• Competitive salary up to $85,000
• School calendar with extended paid breaks (32 paid holidays)
• Mid-July to mid-August fully paid time off
• 5 paid sick days
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (75% employer-paid)
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Support for continuing education and credential maintenance

The Helix School is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

About The Helix School

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to making a profound impact on the lives of autistic children in the Bay Area? At The Helix School, we're on a mission to transform young lives while advancing the state of the art in neurodiversity whole child development. Our method is the difference. We create a fabric of services that tightly integrates therapy and academics.

Serving autistic students, ages 5 to 22, who live throughout the Bay Area, the school's model and mission are based on providing an education that both nurtures and develops students' capabilities through an evidence-based, integrated curriculum tailored to support a child's developmental level, sensory processing differences, and emotional regulatory needs. The talented staff consists of educators, occupational, speech and behavioral therapists, and mental health professionals.

Our priorities are to respect, appreciate, and encourage each child's strengths, while providing an environment through which autistic individuals may achieve their highest potential—especially in the areas of developing a strong sense of self, cultivating a sense of community and connection, and building independence, adaptability, and resiliency.