Certified Occupation Therapy Assistant (School Based)

Kankakee School District 111; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Kankakee School District 111 is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support students under the supervision of a licensed OT in the school setting, helping them access the curriculum and participate fully.

You will deliver direct therapy in classrooms and therapy rooms, collaborate with teachers, families, and staff on IEP/504 goals, document progress, and adapt materials and assistive technology as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant program (ACOTE-accredited).
• Current state licensure/certification as a COTA.
• NBCOT certification in good standing.
• Experience in school or pediatric settings preferred.
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP, and 504 processes a plus.
• Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized OT treatment plans developed by the supervising OTR to support students' fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, self-help, and visual-motor skills.
• Provide direct therapy services in classrooms, therapy rooms, and other school settings, both individually and in small groups.
• Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, and parents to support IEP/504 goals.
• Document student progress, attendance, and session notes in compliance with district and state requirements.
• Assist in preparing and adapting classroom materials, equipment, and assistive technology.
• Communicate observations and concerns to the supervising OTR for plan adjustments.
• Participate in IEP meetings, staff trainings, and team consultations as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant program (ACOTE-accredited)

Job description

Job Title: Certified (School-Based) Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Summary

The School-Based COTA works under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide occupational therapy services to students within an educational setting, supporting their access to and participation in the school curriculum and environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement individualized OT treatment plans developed by the supervising OTR to support students' fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, self-help, and visual-motor skills
• Provide direct therapy services in classrooms, therapy rooms, and other school settings, both individually and in small groups
• Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, and parents to support IEP/504 goals
• Document student progress, attendance, and session notes in compliance with district and state requirements
• Assist in preparing and adapting classroom materials, equipment, and assistive technology
• Communicate observations and concerns to the supervising OTR for plan adjustments
• Participate in IEP meetings, staff trainings, and team consultations as needed

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant program (ACOTE-accredited)
• Current state licensure/certification as a COTA
• NBCOT certification in good standing
• Experience working with children/adolescents in a school or pediatric setting preferred
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP, and 504 processes a plus
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills

Work Schedule

Follows the academic school calendar; full-time or part-time positions available.