Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

🟢 Starting Rate:  $45 - $50 /hour based on experience PLUS $2,000 Annual Education Stipend! 🏫 Environment:  Special Education Program, Grades K-12

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you excel in a collaborative, student-centered environment, seek a career that truly impacts the lives of children with special needs, and bring creativity, compassion, a positive attitude, and outstanding dedication — We Should Talk! 📲

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will play a critical role in empowering students in Grades K-12 with special needs to achieve educational success by delivering impactful occupational therapy services under the guidance of a licensed Occupational Therapist, consistently upholding excellence across multiple school locations and collaborative educational teams.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Providing targeted occupational therapy interventions aligned with students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), diligently following designated service hours and established schedules.
• Assisting the Occupational Therapist during evaluations by collecting pertinent data, administering standardized assessments, and observing students to accurately determine their functional capabilities and developmental needs.
• Maintaining precise, organized, and timely documentation of student progress, including daily session notes, periodic progress reports, and additional required records, complying fully with district and program protocols.
• Collaborating closely with educators and support staff to seamlessly integrate therapeutic goals into classroom activities, offering strategies and accommodations to optimize student achievement.
• Modifying classroom environments, resources, and instructional materials, under Occupational Therapist supervision, to enhance student engagement and access to the curriculum.
• Assisting with training and educating school staff and families on the effective use of adaptive equipment and practical techniques to boost students' functional independence.
• Ensuring therapy tools, equipment, and supplies are maintained in excellent condition, promptly reporting any issues or replacement needs to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Attending and actively participating in IEP meetings, collaborative team discussions, and professional development activities, providing valuable input to enhance student planning and support.
• Upholding professional and ethical standards consistently in interactions with students, families, and team members, emphasizing confidentiality and cultural respect.
• Traveling regularly and maintaining a consistent onsite presence to effectively support multiple Spectrum School locations within your designated region.
• Performing additional tasks as assigned to advance the mission and effectiveness of Spectrum Center Schools and Programs.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Associate's degree or higher in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
• Bachelors degree or higher in a closely related field of study preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) credential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in providing occupational therapy support services, preferably in an alternative special education and/or behavioral health program setting. 
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's) preferred.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlin