Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Canton Public Schools seeks a skilled, collaborative, and student-centered Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our Pupil Personnel Services team for the 20262027 school year. The COTA will work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to support students' access, participation, independence, and success within the educational environment through the implementation of school-based occupational therapy services.

Position (Non - Union) Schedule: 6.5 hours per day Work Year: 185 days Compensation: $35.00-$41.00 per hour, based on experience Location: Districtwide Reports to: Director of Pupil Personnel Services/Designee and Supervising Occupational Therapist

Responsibilities

• Implement occupational therapy interventions and treatment plans developed under supervision of the District Occupational Therapist.
• Provide individual and small-group services aligned with students' IEP goals and educational needs.
• Support the development of fine-motor, visual-motor, sensory-motor, self-care, adaptive, and functional school skills.
• Collect data and maintain accurate documentation of services and student progress.
• Collaborate with teachers, paraeducators, families, and related service providers to support student participation across school environments.
• Assist with adaptive equipment, assistive technology, positioning, and environmental supports as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Participate in PPT/IEP and team meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with district procedures and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Participate in supervision, professional learning, and required district training.

Qualifications

• Current Connecticut Occupational Therapy Assistant license required.
• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• NBCOT certification/eligibility consistent with Connecticut licensure requirements.
• School-based or pediatric experience preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, documentation, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students with a range of developmental, physical, sensory, behavioral, and learning needs.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the physical responsibilities associated with school-based occupational therapy services, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, reaching, and transitioning between floor and standing positions.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull, position, and/or assist students and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or adaptive equipment when appropriate.

The COTA works within the scope of Connecticut licensure and under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. The position does not independently conduct occupational therapy evaluations, interpret evaluation results, determine eligibility, establish plans of care, or independently recommend or discontinue occupational therapy services.

Canton Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.