Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant to join our special education team. In this role, you will work with students by helping them develop their fine motor, sensory processing, and self-help skills necessary for classroom participation and independence. Through individualized and group therapy sessions, collaboration with educators and families, and the use of creative, play-based strategies, you will foster growth and confidence in our learners.

Key Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and implement individualized educational plans (IEPs) to address each students needs
• Provide therapy sessions focused on activities such as cutting skills, dressing, and feeding
• Utilize sensory integration strategies to support self-regulation and classroom participation
• Collaboration with teachers and staff to integrate therapeutic strategies into the classroom
• Educate families on how to reinforce therapeutic goals at home
• Document therapy sessions, progress, and recommendations in compliance with program requirements and with an OTR’s approval and signature
• Design and monitor Sensory diets for students in the classrooms.
• Participate in IEP meetings and provide professional input for goal-setting and progress monitoring
• Services are provided in accordance with students’ individualized education programs
• Develops individual treatment programs for the provision of occupational therapy
• Develops group treatment programs for the provision of occupational therapy
• Develops and presents occupational therapy-related activities to benefit students in their educational environment
• Provides services to special education students referred for occupational therapy
• Services are provided in accordance with the students’ individualized education programs
• Implements individual treatment program for the provision of occupational therapy
• Implements group treatment program for the provision of occupational therapy
• Reviews records of students receiving occupational therapy for accuracy and completeness
• Maintains attendance and session notes for students receiving occupational therapy
• Maintains reports for students receiving occupational therapy
• Assists school personnel through individual consultations with the formation of goals and objectives related to students’ individualized education programs
• Participates in interdisciplinary conferences to discuss student progress
• Makes appropriate recommendations for occupational therapy programs
• Consults with parents/guardians regarding treatment goals, specialized therapeutic equipment and materials, and other suggestions to enhance the students’ functional ability within the classroom
• Requests equipment and supplies necessary to carry out an occupational therapy program
• Instructs teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, and other staff in the use of adaptive equipment and materials for classroom/school use
• Contacts primary care facilities regarding students’ medical issues and adaptive equipment needs, relating to the continuity of services in school
• Designs, modifies, and constructs adaptive equipment and material for classroom/school use
• Assist in classroom activities and support instructional needs, as well as perform other duties as assigned by the Director to ensure the smooth operation of the program
• Participates in supervision with an OTR

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to stand, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, talk and hear.
• Walk to and from various locations in the building. May need to stoop, bend, and sometimes lift or push wheelchairs of students being served.
• Physical intervention techniques may be required to aid the students in challenging moments
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to focus

• Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy
• Valid state license and NBCOT certification
• Experience in an educational or clinical setting preferred
• Knowledge of sensory integration and play-based intervention strategies
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Benefits 

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect: 

● Paid time off (holidays, vacation in accordance with school calendar, sick and personal) 

● Professional development opportunities 

● Team environment 

● Medical and dental benefits 

● Employer-paid life insurance 

● Optional insurance (life, disability, etc.) 

● 403(B) retirement plans 

● Flexible spending account (dependent care, medical, parking, and transit) 

● Employee assistance program 

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org. 

About HeartShare 

For over 100 years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives.