2026-2027 CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (COTA)

Isaac School District; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Isaac School District is seeking a Classified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) to provide educationally relevant OT services to students under the direction of a licensed OT. The role supports IEP goals and requires collaboration with the Occupational Therapist and Support Services Director.

The position includes adapting environments, implementing therapy activities, maintaining equipment, and documenting progress across multiple campus sites.

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant program.
• Current Arizona license to practice Occupational Therapy.
• National Certification.
• Valid Driver's License & Evidence of insurability.
• Current CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Adapts school and classroom environment and materials under supervision of the Occupational Therapist to improve student functioning and access to curricular activities.
• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students under supervision to support IEP goals.
• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies in good working order.
• Presents information (e.g., performance data, feedback) to supervisor.
• Provides direct Occupational Therapy services according to IEP goals.
• Works at multiple sites to provide therapy as required.
• Researches resources and methods for addressing students' functional needs.
• Attends professional development to improve OT skills as required by state board.
• Keeps log with supervisor signatures documenting OTR supervision.

Skills

Safety practices

OT equipment handling

Record keeping

Communication with diverse groups

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (ACOTE accredited)

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The job of a Classified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) was established for the purpose of providing educationally relevant Occupational Therapy services to students suffering from a variety of cognitive, emotional, and/or physical illnesses or disabilities according to the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) and under direction of a registered Occupational Therapist (OTR/L). This job reports to the Occupational Therapist and/or Support Services Director

PRINCIPAL DUTIES (essential functions)

• Adapts school and classroom environment, tools and materials under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist for the purpose of improving student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activities.
• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student's IEP plan for use in the classroom under supervision of the Occupational Therapist.
• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals.
• Presents information (i.e.: student performance data, clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to the supervisor.
• Provides direct Occupational Therapy services according to IEP goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures.
• Provides services at multiple work sites for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.
• Researches resources and methods (i.e.: intervention activities) for the purpose of determining the appropriate activities for addressing students' functional needs and goals.
• Attends professional development training for the purpose of improving Occupational Therapy skills as required by the Arizona Occupational Therapy Board.
• Keeps log with COTA/OTR supervisor signatures for the purpose of documenting OTR supervision as required by Arizona Occupational Therapy rules and regulations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order

to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform

the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating equipment used in

Occupational Therapy; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percent's

and/or rations; compose a variety of documents and/or facilitate group discussions and solve practical

problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions if

the job include: student behavior management skills; adaptive equipment; and Occupational Therapy

models, practices and theories.

ABILITY is required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data;

and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others

in a wide variety of circumstances. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action

plans. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job

include: being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality;

working as part of a team; displaying tact and courtesy; being empathetic and nonjudgmental; and

establishing and maintaining effective relationships, especially with students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistance program

REQUIRED LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• Current Arizona license to practice Occupational Therapy
• National Certification
• Valid Driver's License & Evidence of insurability
• Current CPR certification

CLASSIFICATION: Classified