ESD -Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Job Description

Best to Apply by 2/13/2026

Capital Region ESD 113 is committed to closing gaps, growing people, influencing change, and eradicating racism through our service to our region and state. BIPOC as well as culturally and linguistically diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position may be scheduled for 8.75 hours/day, 4 days/week, 148 days/year, OR 8 hours/day, 5 days/week, 180 days/year. Schedule will be determined by business need at hire.

Benefits will include Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance; FSA/DCAP;
Life/AD&D Insurance; LTD Insurance; EAP;
Retirement; DCP;
Sick Leave, and Personal Leave.

Required attachments:
Transcript, Resume and Cover Letter

Please see the job description below for a list of Essential Functions.

The job of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is done for the purpose of planning for and providing treatment interventions to assist students with motor development, orthopedic and health impairments, and multiple handicaps, all under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.

• Equipment Adaptation - Adapts equipment (e.g. seating, tables, desks, computer hardware, etc.) for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increased independence for special education students.
• Student Assessment - Assists in the assessment of students' fine motor and development skills (e.g. objective assessments, student observation, etc.) for the purpose of identifying deficits and developing recommendations.
• Meeting Participation - Attends a variety of meetings (e.g. IEPs, training, team meetings, meetings with outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and receiving information.
• Stakeholder Consultation - Consults with a variety of stakeholders (e.g. occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers, families, etc.) for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing students' occupational therapy goals, developing plans for services, and making recommendations.
• Treatment Strategy Development - Develops individual treatment strategies for the purpose of addressing the functional needs of students.
• Treatment Plan Implementation - Implements treatment plans developed by Occupational Therapist for the purpose of achieving functional goals of assigned students.
• Documentation and Record Keeping - Maintains documents, files, and records (e.g. IEP progress reports, student progress data, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, student progress, and ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance.
• Site Visits - Performs site visits (e.g. multiple work sites, home visits during off-hours and summers, etc.) for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.
• Materials Preparation - Prepares a variety of materials (e.g. activity logs, materials for student therapy sessions, Medicaid billings, summer activities packets, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and conveying information.
• Training and Instruction - Provides training and instruction to teachers on the use of assistive devices for the purpose of ensuring such devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved.
• Incident Reporting - Reports incidents and observations (e.g. suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment, and adhering to district, state, and federal regulations.
• Research and Best Practices - Researches a variety of topics (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, assistive devices, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Materials Transport - Transports a variety of items (e.g. assistive devices, assessment tools, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions.
• Travel Requirements - Travels from their duty station to school districts for the purpose of providing services to students and performing the essential functions of the position.
• Equipment Troubleshooting - Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g. computer technology, mechanical issues, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and providing alternative strategies.

• Personnel Assistance - Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Related Duties - Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

• Knowledge Required - Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical…