Occupational Therapy Assistant

Thrive Therapies

OTAs are essential partners in delivering school-based occupational therapy, yet many work with unclear supervision structures or without the mentorship they need to grow. Thrive places OTAs in schools with dedicated OTR supervisors, documented supervision ratios, and structured professional development pathways.

You'll implement meaningful therapy under close OT supervision, contribute to real student outcomes, and have a clinical team that sees your growth and advancement as a priority.

Position Summary

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to implement school-based OT services for students K12. You deliver structured therapy sessions, collect progress data, and support students in achieving IEP goals related to fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and classroom participation.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement OT-designed treatment plans for students with fine motor, sensory processing, self-care, and handwriting goals
• Deliver one-on-one and small-group therapy sessions using evidence-based techniques established by the supervising OT
• Collect and document precise session data; communicate student progress and observations to the supervising OT at regular supervision meetings
• Support sensory accommodation strategies, movement breaks, and classroom modifications per OT direction
• Assist with adaptive equipment setup, AAC implementation, and accessibility accommodations
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and special education staff to generalize OT strategies into daily school routines
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to AOTA ethical guidelines and NBCOT standards for COTAs

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance from an ACOTE-accredited program
• NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential
• Current state OTA license or registration (varies by state)
• Clear background check and immunization clearance per school district requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior school-based OTA experience (1+ years)
• Certification or training in sensory integration (Ayres SI preferred)
• Experience with adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and accessibility assessment
• Bilingual capability (Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese)

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive W-2 salary: $40,000$55,000 based on credentials, experience, and location
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) effective your first day
• 401(k) with company match
• 10 days PTO + paid sick leave
• Professional development stipend ($1,000+ annually) for CEUs, conferences, and certifications
• $2,000 sign-on bonus (paid at 90 days)
• $1,000 semester retention bonus per semester completed
• NBCOT COTA dues and state licensure fees fully reimbursed
• Malpractice and professional liability coverage provided by Thrive
• No non-compete clause we earn your loyalty by being a place worth staying