SPED Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Blue Springs School District

2026-2027 School Year

Position Summary:

The job of Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) is done for the purpose/s of providing occupational therapy services to eligible students under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. The COTA assists in implementing individualized treatment plans that support students' educational participation, functional performance, fine motor development, sensory regulation, self-care skills, and access to the curriculum in accordance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

This job reports to Director of Special Education and/or Building Principal

This position is a Full Time, 7 hours per day, 181 day agreement, Benefits Eligible

The salary range for this position is $31,322 - $54,704. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Essential Functions:

• Implements occupational therapy interventions as outlined in student IEPs and therapy plans.
• Provides individual and small-group occupational therapy services under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist.
• Assists students in accessing educational materials and classroom activities.
• Monitors student progress and reports observations to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Collects and maintains therapy data as directed.
• Collaborates with teachers, paraprofessionals, and other related service providers to support student success.
• Participate in team meetings as requested.
• Maintains accurate service logs and treatment documentation.
• Assists with progress monitoring and record keeping.
• Ensures compliance with district policies, IDEA, Section 504, and professional practice standards.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and district procedures.
• Prepares therapy materials, equipment, and activities.
• Assists with organizing and maintaining therapy spaces.
• Follows established health, safety, and infection-control procedures.

Other Functions:

• Performs other related duties as needed for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the special education students to benefit from their educational experiences.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications:

Skills are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy strategies; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; stages of child development; abnormal development and medical diagnoses related to special Education funding categories; current OT treatment interventions; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.

Ability is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; maintaining effective working relationships; and translating therapy data into meaningful educational activities.

Responsibility:

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization's services.

Work Environment:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 15% sitting, 10% walking, and 75% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required. Education: A.D. in Occupational Therapy. Must be Certified in the State of Missouri.

Background Check: Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to the Blue Springs School District. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. Equal Opportunity Employer

Required Testing - None

Certificates and Licenses - Licensed/Certified to Practice in the State of Missouri

Continuing Education/Training - Maintains Certification and/or Licenses

Clearances - Criminal Background Check, Family Care Safety Registry

FLSA Status - Non Exempt

Salary Grade - 71

07/01/2026