Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) Starting Date: Immediately Job Details Job ID: 5778960 Application Deadline: Jun 12, 2027 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time) Posted: Jun 12, 2026 Location: TBD (Kansas City, Kansas) Job Overview The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is a nationally recognized urban school district that serves approximately 22,000 students and more than 60 languages are spoken in students’ homes. It includes 28 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 5 college and career academies/high schools, and 1 preschool. The district employs about 4,000 staff, including 1,800 teachers. Job Goal To facilitate student comprehension and application of concepts, skills and behaviors that contribute to the development of mature, able and responsible members of society; and to ensure continuous improvement in state and national performance levels to prepare students for college and careers in a global society. Purpose Statement Assist a licensed Occupational Therapist in helping students gain functional independence so that they can more completely benefit from the educational environment. Essential Functions Assist students in gaining functional independence. Assist other personnel as directed by the Executive Director of SPED or by the Licensed Occupational Therapist. Assist the OTR with screenings and assessments to identify student needs. Attend meetings, workshops, and conferences to receive or convey information related to job functions. Collaborate with teachers to develop plans or modify curriculum to meet students’ academic needs. Communicate with students, parents/guardians, staff, and the community to facilitate communication between parties. Develop awareness of changes in OT (e.g., innovative ideas, techniques, practices) to support and/or modify current methods. Facilitate effective occupational therapy interventions to assist teachers in improving students’ academic and life skill success through specialized OT student IEPs. Maintain written materials for documentation and reference. Monitor students by collecting observational data to aid in progress reports and evaluations, ensuring a safe learning environment. Prepare therapy materials and equipment for student use. Provide direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals, ensuring compliance with established practices. Respond to inquiries from parents, teachers, and staff by providing information or referrals. Support newly identified OT students in complying with IEP directives. Provide training for applicable staff on specific accommodations (e.g., devices, grips, motor‑writing strategies) as documented by the IEP. Skills Required to perform multiple, highly complex technical tasks and periodically upgrade skills. Knowledge Basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios); reading technical information; composing documents; facilitating group discussions; solving practical problems; knowledge of relevant codes, policies, regulations, laws, and stages of child development. Ability Schedule activities and meetings; gather, collate, and classify data; use equipment; work independently with others in varied circumstances; utilize diverse job‑related equipment; maintain confidentiality; meet deadlines; display patience and self‑control; handle constant interruptions. Responsibilities Work under direct supervision of an OTR, use standardized procedures, direct other persons within a small unit, operate within a defined budget, and collaborate with other units as needed. Opportunities to impact the organization’s services exist. Work Environment Significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, fine finger dexterity. Roughly 50% sitting, 30% walking, 20% standing. Minimal temperature variations and exposure to injury risk. Experience Job‑related experience in a specialized field with increasing responsibility. Education Associate degree in Occupational Therapy. Equivalency Associate’s Degree with a COTA degree from an accredited program recognized by Kansas. Required Testing / Licensure COTA degree from an accredited Kansas program. Current Kansas license. Continuing Education / Training & Clearances Kansas Bureau of Investigation clearance. Kansas Department of Children and Families clearance. Physical and tuberculosis clearance. Terms of Employment 186 days. Salary Certified Salary Schedule. FLSA Status Exempt. Report To Director of Libraries and Building Principal. Evaluation Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex/gender (including orientation, identity, or expression), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or any other protected basis. Contact Information District Compliance Coordinator 2010 N. 59th Street Kansas City, KS 66104 View phone number on click.appcast.io Title View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr Young World Physical Education