Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Special Services - Delta County School District

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Reports To - Director of Special Education and/or Supervising Occupational Therapist

North Fork regions

2026-2027 School Year 

$65,089/year + Depending on Experience
Health Insurance is available through the School District
Retirement benefits through PERA

Must Pass and pay for a Fingerprint/Background Check

Position Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports students with disabilities and developmental delays by implementing occupational therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). The COTA assists students in developing the skills necessary to participate successfully in educational activities and school routines, promoting independence, access to the curriculum, and achievement of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Services are provided in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Colorado Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA), Colorado Department of Education (CDE) guidelines, district policies, and professional occupational therapy standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Services

• Implement occupational therapy treatment plans and interventions developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Provide direct occupational therapy services to individual students and small groups in accordance with IEP goals and service plans.
• Assist students in developing fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, self-care, executive functioning, and functional school participation skills.
• Support students in accessing educational environments and participating in classroom activities.
• Utilize adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and therapeutic techniques as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Deliver occupational therapy services as a related service under IDEA and Colorado ECEA requirements.
• Support implementation of accommodations and modifications that facilitate student participation in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
• Assist students in developing skills needed for educational access, participation, and independence within school routines and activities.
• Monitor student progress and document therapy sessions, observations, and outcomes.
• Support students ages birth through 21, as appropriate within district special education programs.

Collaboration and Consultation

• Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, teachers, special education staff, administrators, related service providers, and families to support student success.
• Assist in implementing classroom accommodations and modifications related to occupational therapy recommendations.
• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and other educational planning meetings as requested.
• Provide feedback regarding student performance and progress to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Collaborate with school teams to identify barriers to student participation and assist with implementation of intervention strategies.
• Provide training and support to educational staff regarding occupational therapy recommendations as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in compliance with district policies, IDEA, FERPA, Colorado ECEA requirements, and state regulations.
• Collect and organize data related to student progress toward therapy goals.
• Assist with scheduling therapy sessions and maintaining service logs.
• Maintain documentation required for special education compliance, Medicaid reimbursement (when applicable), and district reporting requirements.
• Ensure therapy materials, equipment, and treatment areas are safe, clean, and properly maintained.
• Comply with all Colorado Department of Education (CDE), Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), district policies, and professional standards.

Professional Responsibilities

• Adhere to ethical and professional standards established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), NBCOT, and Colorado licensure requirements.
• Maintain required certification, licensure, and continuing competency requirements.
• Participate in district training, pro