Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Job Title Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)/Assistant, OT Hour Status Exempt Reports To Executive Director of Special Education Pay Grade AP2/187Days Dept./School Special Education Date Revised 05/2026 Primary Purpose To provide school-based occupational therapy services in support of students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will deliver skilled interventions and training to educational staff to improve student performance in areas such as fine motor skills, handwriting, visual motor/perceptual abilities, sensory processing, and activities of daily living. The goal is to support students in functioning effectively within the least restrictive educational environment. Qualifications Graduate from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program with an Associate of Science or Applied Science degree Current licensure by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners as a COTA Successful completion of the NBCOT national certification exam At least one year of experience as a COTA Completion of 24 hours of continuing education every two years, as required for licensure Preferred Experience in public school or pediatric settings Familiarity with the IEP process Special Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of child development and educational implications Understanding of physical and mental conditions affecting student performance Experience with therapeutic equipment, sensory regulation strategies, and behavior management techniques Ability to collaborate effectively with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams Skill in developing and implementing occupational therapy interventions within educational environments Proficiency in documenting student progress and therapy notes electronically Ability to train staff on sensory and motor lab activities and classroom-based strategies Effective oral and written communication Strong organizational and time management skills Technological proficiency for documentation and communication Major Responsibilities and Duties Implement direct, consultative, and integrated occupational therapy interventions under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist Support students’ access to the curriculum through environmental adaptations and therapeutic activities Collaborate with educational staff and families regarding students’ sensory, motor, and daily living needs Train teachers and paraprofessionals in techniques and strategies related to occupational therapy Prepare materials and adapt equipment for classroom use Participate in school-wide and district-wide trainings related to occupational therapy practices Assist in the screening and evaluation process by completing appropriate components of assessments under supervision Record service delivery data and Medicaid billing entries Maintain accurate and confidential student records Participate in professional development and district staff meetings Troubleshoot assistive devices and sensory equipment to ensure proper function Perform other duties as assigned Clerical Duties Maintain organized documentation, including progress notes, service logs, and required reports Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and district policies Maintain confidentiality in all student-related matters Equipment Used Standard office and instructional technology (e.g., computers, printers, copiers, phones) Adaptive and therapeutic equipment, including wheelchairs, swings, sensory tools, and fine motor aids Working Conditions Mental/Physical Demands and Environmental Factors: Use of personal vehicle to travel between campuses Frequent movement including walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, sitting on the floor, kneeling, crouching, and reaching overhead Ability to lift 25 pounds to shoulder height and 50 pounds to waist height Extended periods of time working at desks, tables, or on the floor Ability to manage physically and emotionally demanding environments and behaviors Copperas Cove ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, or age in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, contact: Executive Director of Human Resources, View phone number on click.appcast.io, 408 S. Main, Copperas Cove, TX 76522 #J-18808-Ljbffr