Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) (Associate or Bachelor's degree part time or full time), Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY 2025-2026]

Salem Public Schools•Salem, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY 2025-2026] About Salem Public Schools , where belonging leads to opportunity. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students in 11 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity , and opportunity in everything we do. We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. We invite you to learn more about our strategic plan and core priorities on our website at https://salemk12.org/ . What You’ll Do: As a collaborative member of the Special Education team in Salem and in accordance with the policies and procedures of Salem Public Schools, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the supervision of a district Occupational Therapist and provides direct service to identified students both in and out of the general education classroom and in sub-separate settings. The COTA assists with observation and data collection and helps to develop IEP goals, objectives, and accommodations. This specialist maintains required documentation to track services and for Medicaid reimbursement. Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist, the COTA delivers a variety of instruction designed to develop fine, visual and perceptual-motor skills and the use of assistive technology devices for access to instruction and learning.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
Certified by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy
Licensure in Massachusetts as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant required
Valid Driver’s License or must be able to provide own transportation within the District
Experience with delivering school-based services
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
Participation in Medicaid reimbursement submission/services verification process
Safety Care Training Certification or willing to be certified (District will provide training)
Current authorization to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in a public-school setting, preferred
Second language (Spanish and/or Portuguese) proficiency a plus
Bilingual candidates and candidates of color strongly encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Provide individual and small group, skilled occupational therapy activities, in pull-out and inclusive settings at multiple job sites within the district.
Assist the Occupational Therapist with informal assessment of fine-motor and development skills (e.g., oral motor, sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, activities of daily living, fine motor function, postural tone, etc.) to determine present levels of function, and develop recommendations
Follow and implement students’ IEPs and/or documented treatment plans
Develop and maintain a consistent service delivery schedule
Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist, provide staff consultation
Document student progress toward meeting established objectives and report the information to therapists
Adapt school and classroom environment, tools, and materials under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist to improve student function and facilitate student access to activities and learning
Maintain treatment equipment, devices, and supplies in clean, proper working condition
Work in conjunction with multidisciplinary educational teams
Complete job-related functions, including paperwork, in a timely manner and in compliance with special education regulations
Complete observations, collect data, prepare and maintain accurate records, ensuring up-to-date documentation for compliance with various state, federal, and administrative regulations
Attend IEP meetings, special education staff meetings and building events, if requested
Utilize a variety of job-related assistive technology and pertinent software
Routinely attend district and school-wide meetings, trainings, workshops and ongoing professional development
Maintain compliance with existing laws and professional ethics
Provide inclusive occupational therapy intervention and support that is integrated into classroom lessons
Assist the Occupational Therapist with staff consultation, IEP goals and Progress Report development
Able to work independently and as part of a team
Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, staff, families and administrators
Be able to move and position oneself to adequately operate therapy equipment, including lifting up to 30 lbs.