Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Type:
Classified: Student Support Services

Date Posted:
10/15/2026

Location:
District Wide
For best consideration and initial screening of applicants, please submit your completed application materials on/before 10/22/2026.

SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENT: Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides direct and consultative occupational therapy services that support students' access to and participation in their educational programs. The COTA implements OT plans and IEP services, documents student progress, and collaborates with school staff and families within the scope of the occupational therapy assistant license.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

1. Understand and support the educational environment and the District's mission, vision, and Strategic Plan.
2. Model appropriate and cooperative behavior while fostering and maintaining strong and productive relationships with District employees, community members, and identified stakeholders.
3. Participate in professional growth activities and reflect and respond to suggestions for professional improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


This is not an exhaustive list of all essential duties associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current responsibilities, the district reserves the right to revise the job as necessitated by operational need.

1. Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services to students, individually or in groups, as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist (OT) and consistent with each student's IEP and OT plan.
2. Implement activities that support students' participation in school routines, including fine and visual motor skills, sensory regulation, positioning, self-care, and use of classroom materials.
3. Assist the OT with screenings and assessment activities within the COTA's scope of practice; collect observations and data for the OT's interpretation and recommendations.
4. Monitor student responses and progress toward IEP goals; communicate changes, concerns, and recommendations to the supervising OT.
5. Maintain accurate, timely records of services, attendance, progress, and other required documentation in District systems.
6. Prepare, adapt, and maintain therapy materials and adaptive equipment; instruct students and staff in their use as directed by the OT.
7. Consult with teachers, paraeducators, families, and other team members on strategies to support student participation in classroom and school activities, in coordination with the OT.
8. Participate in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings as requested, providing information within the COTA's scope and under the OT's supervision.
9. Prepare therapy spaces, materials, and schedules; coordinate services across buildings and classrooms as assigned.
10. Support and model safe positioning, movement, and use of equipment; follow student plans and District safety procedures.
11. Report student injuries, safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, and other reportable incidents in accordance with applicable law and District procedures.
12. Use District technology and assigned software to communicate, document services, and maintain records.
13. Maintain confidentiality of student and family information and comply with District, state, and federal requirements.
14. Establish effective, respectful working relationships with students, families, school staff, and the supervising OT.
15. Perform other related duties as assigned within the scope of the COTA position and license.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of school-based occupational therapy practices, student development, and the COTA's scope of practice.
• Knowledge of fine and visual motor skills, sensory and self-care supports, adaptive equipment, and safe positioning techniques.
• Ability to implement OT interventions and follow the supervising OT's direction and student IEPs.
• Ability to observe, collect, and accurately document student service and progress data.
• Ability to explain and model therapy strategies for school staff and communicate clearly with students and families.
• Ability to use job-related equipment, technology, and District record systems.
• Ability to organize services, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing student and building needs.
• Ability to remain calm, use sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: AA Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant or related field

Experience: None, experience in a school setting preferred

Substitutions: Any combination of experience and/or training which provides the applicant with requisite knowledge, skills and ability to perform the work and that meets applicable federal and state requirements.

REQUIRED LICENSES/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Current Washington State occupational therapy assistant license required. Maintain all credentials required for licensure. CPR and First Aid certification required. May be required to complete student safety training and to hold a valid Washington State driver's license for travel between assigned sites.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
Criminal background clearance
Completion of required Vector Solutions (SafeSchools) Trainings

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Reports administratively to the assigned administrator. The licensed Occupational Therapist provides clinical supervision and direction. Job performance is evaluated by the Executive Director for Student Support Services with input from the Occupational Therapist and school principal.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work occurs in classrooms, therapy spaces, and other school settings and may involve travel between buildings. Duties require sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and assisting with student positioning or movement using established procedures and equipment. The employee may encounter body fluids, infectious disease, high noise levels, and students in distress. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions.

MENTAL DEMANDS:
Work involves frequent interruptions, changing schedules and student needs, accurate documentation, and deadlines. The employee must maintain attention to student safety and respond calmly to difficult situations.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Work Year 180 days per year (plus paid holidays that fall within the school calendar)
Hours 7.0 hours paid per day plus half-hour unpaid duty free lunch
Salary 2026-27 PSE Salary Schedule A - COTA ($32.91 - $35.60 DOE)
Benefits Eligible for benefits through SEBB

Bargaining Unit: PSE
FSLA: Classified

BENEFITS:
Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours an employee is anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Employees anticipated to work 630 hours or more in a year are eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, long-term disability and the employee assistance program.

The district's healthcare benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Benefit eligible employees also qualify to optionally participate in deferred compensation/403B plans, dependent care flexible spending/health savings accounts, and additional life insurance and/or added long-term disability coverage through employee contributions. Sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and any paid holidays are aligned with bargaining agreements by association, as listed on our website.

Other benefits include VEBA, which is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and serves as a way to contribute dollars on a pre-tax basis for out of pocket benefits costs, whether it be for medical, dental or vision premiums, or any other out of pocket medical expenses. This benefit is available, based on the outcome of annual voting of employees by group.

The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills, or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. The District reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Orting School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, marital status, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination and their offices are located at 121 Whitesell St NE, Orting, WA 98360:

Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX/ADA Coordinator
Carrie Joy, Director of Human Resources
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Section 504 Coordinator
Dr. Jennifer Westover, Executive Director for Student Support Services
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Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint can be accessed here.

Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.