Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Fowler Elementary District District Wide - Phoenix, Arizona Open in Google Maps
This job is also posted in Fowler
Job Details
Job ID: 5938042
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 23, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately
Job Description
Fowler Elementary School District
Job Title: CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Classification: State Certified
Salary: Full Time, Benefited
Description: The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) provides occupational therapy treatment sessions and therapeutic support
to students under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). The COTA supports eligible students enrolled in special education programs to achieve functional, developmental, and educational goals, fostering participation in classroom and school activities.
Qualifications:
- AA degree or higher in an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
- License in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA/L) issued by the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
- Additional certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (COTA) is preferred
- Valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC).
- Valid Arizona Driver’s License
- Certification in CPR & First Aid from an accepted agency (ARC/AHA)
- Experience with diverse student populations
- Job related experience or clinical fieldwork in occupational therapy.
- Pediatric experience is preferred
- Experience working with school aged children for a year or more is preferred.
- Knowledge of physical therapy evaluation and treatment of children
- Knowledge of child development
- Knowledge of State and Federal guidelines regarding physical therapy and students with disabilities
- Knowledge of District policies, procedures, organizational structure and school requirements
- Strong knowledge of the English language including reading, writing and oral communication with extensive skills in spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Knowledge of Spanish including reading, writing and oral communication is preferred
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with students, parents, staff and administration
- Ability to comprehend and perform functions from written and verbal instructions
- Experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant working with children in an educational setting is preferred
Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Governing Board or the Superintendent may deem appropriate
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct screenings, assessments, and evaluations to identify student needs, interpret findings, and present results to the MET/IEP Team, parents/guardians, and relevant service providers
- Participate in the Child Find process and collaborate with school teams to ensure appropriate evaluation and identification of students requiring services
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized IEPs, therapy plans, and intervention strategies to address identified motor, sensory, and functional needs
- Provide direct occupational therapy services to students as indicated on IEPs, adapting interventions based on student progress and observed outcomes
- Recommend, procure, and design therapeutic equipment, materials, and specialized tools to support student participation, learning, and independence
- Train, consult with, and guide teachers, classroom aides, COTAs (if assigned), and other school staff on effective strategies, accommodations, and use of therapy tools.
- Collaborate and communicate with parents, school staff, and external agencies regarding student needs, progress, and instructional modifications or accommodations
- Monitor student response to interventions, modify plans as necessary, and regularly evaluate and report on student progress
- Maintain accurate, thorough, and ongoing records, service logs, and required documentation in compliance with the Arizona Occupational Therapy Practice Act, Medicaid requirements, and district, state, and federal policies
- Provide information, support, and education to families regarding student needs, progress, and therapy strategies
- Serve as a consultant and resource to school staff, providing in-service education on topics such as motor planning, coordination, sensory processing, and adaptive strategies
- Establish and maintain professional, positive relationships with students, school personnel, families, community members, and vendors
- Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms with staff, parents/guardians, administrators, physicians, and other professionals
- Uphold high ethical standards, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate professional conduct in all interactions
- Participate in professional growth and development activities to remain current with best practices, research, and innovations in occupational therapy
- Additional job-related duties as assigned
Length of Employment:
- Nine (9) months
- Days worked will be determined by the school calendar
Reports to: Director of Exceptional Student Services
Evaluation: Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board Policy GDO
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $44,793.60 to $69,274 Per Year
Job Requirements
- Citizenship, residency or work visa required
Contact Information
- Matthew Camacho
- Fowler Elementary District
- 1617 S. 67th Ave.
- Phoenix, Arizona 85043
- Phone: (623)707-4500
- Email: mcamacho@fesd.org
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