Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Southeastern-Massachusetts-Educational-Collaborative; Dartmouth (MA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

457b/403b retirement plan

Job summary

SMEC is seeking a certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) to provide direct therapy services and help develop IEP goals in collaboration with the supervising OT at multiple school buildings in Dartmouth, MA. The role requires a valid MA license and involves travel between programs with a 184-day school year plus a 5-week summer program.

Starting date is immediate. The position offers health, dental, life insurance, a 457b/403b retirement plan, and MSERS retirement eligibility.

Qualifications

• CORI and SAFIS are required for all positions.
• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains a data-driven, culturally responsive instruction plan and individualized goals for students.
• Maintains documentation of evaluations, OT treatment plans, progress notes, Medicaid documentation, and communication with families and outside providers in accordance with agency guidelines.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings and offers staff training as requested.
• Completes all required paperwork within mandated timelines and upholds professional boundaries with students, families, and staff.

Education

Bachelor degree preferred

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative - Dartmouth, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5927312

Application Deadline: Sep 30, 2026 11:59 PM (UTC)

Posted: Sep 15, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

SMEC is seeking a strong and diverse pool of applicants for the position of Occupational Therapist Assistant. The COTA provides direct therapy services and assists in the development of IEP goals and objectives in collaboration with the supervising OT.

This is a School Year Position (184 days) plus a 5 week part‑time summer program. Valid license from the Board of Allied Health Professionals from the state of MA required. Benefits Eligible (Health, Dental, Life Insurances, 457b/403b). This position qualifies for the Massachusetts State Employees' Retirement System (MSERS). Local travel between programs is required to support students at different school buildings.

• Able to develop and implement developmentally appropriate, data driven, culturally responsive instruction, individualized goals and accommodations.
• Develops and maintains a culturally diverse, purposeful, respectful, and stimulating treatment environment that is organized and positive in nature and geared towards student interests.
• Prepares for, attends, and fully participates in student and staff meetings.
• Demonstrates ongoing professional growth and skills consistent with current research and practice in education through in-services, coursework, evaluations, and online courses.
• Accurately completes documentation related to student incidents/injuries, physical intervention, and 51A reports and/or DPPC.
• Maintains written documentation of all evaluations, OT treatment plans, progress notes, medicaid documentation, and communication with families and outside providers in accordance with agency guidelines and established timeframes in a professional manner.
• Participates actively, cooperatively, and constructively as a member of multidisciplinary team.
• As requested or directed, provide training to staff in areas of expertise.
• Complete all expected paperwork in a high quality manner within mandated/required timelines.
• Shows respect and compassion for all members of the classroom and school environment including students, families, staff, and other community members.
• Implements all aspects of the educational day, which may include activities of daily living (ADL’s) such as toileting, feeding, transferring, self‑care, and assistance with mobility including lifting.
• Based on collaboration with the Occupational Therapist makes recommendations for, trains staff on use of, justifies for medical necessity in a school based setting, and effectively utilizes any adaptive equipment for individual students.
• Participates in all required Collaborative in‑services as well as those recommended by supervisors.
• Communicate all significant occurrences to the appropriate supervisor in a respectful and timely manner.
• Maintains an open, honest, and respectful relationship with parents and others involved with the student’s success.
• Maintains professional boundaries with parents and students.
• Physical ability to perform physical restraints/escorts as needed.
• Expected to read and adhere to all Employee Handbook policies.

• Benefits Eligible (Health, Dental, Life Insurances, 457b/403b).
• This position qualifies for the Massachusetts State Employees' Retirement System (MSERS).

EOE

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $43 to $43 Per Hour

Job Categories: Special Education > OT Assistant

Welcome to Southern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative

The southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC) is a public education collaborative established in 1975 pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 4E. SMEC is an extension of eight public school systems, which make up its membership. The present membership includes the Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester and Old Rochester Regional public school districts. SMEC accepts students for enrollment in its programs from school systems throughout southeastern Massachusetts. The Collaborative’s programs and services are locally based and locally directed and are designed to supplement the special education resources of its member districts. SMEC offers a variety of services for students with special needs aged 3‑21 as well as adults with developmental disabilities. The Collaborative also offers professional development opportunities for educational staff. SMEC is a member of the Massachusetts Organization of Educational Collaboratives.

Job Requirements

• CORI and SAFIS are required for all positions.
• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Audrey Rodrigues , Human Resources Manager
• 25 Russells Mills Road
• Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02748
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

Map

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