Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Young World Physical Education; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) to help students gain functional independence. The COTA will assist licensed Occupational Therapists, support teachers, and implement therapy plans within Kansas City Public Schools.

This role requires an Associate degree in Occupational Therapy and a current Kansas license. The position offers opportunities to work in a diverse educational environment and contribute significantly to student success.

Qualifications

• Job‑related experience in a specialized field with increasing responsibility.
• Current Kansas license required.
• Knowledge of relevant codes, policies, regulations, and laws.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in gaining functional independence.
• Collaborate with teachers to develop plans.
• Provide direct occupational therapy services.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Technical Tasks

Education

Associate degree in Occupational Therapy

COTA degree from an accredited program

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Details

• Job ID: 5778960
• Application Deadline: Jun 12, 2027 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)
• Posted: Jun 12, 2026
• Location: TBD (Kansas City, Kansas)

Job Overview

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is a nationally recognized urban school district that serves approximately 22,000 students and more than 60 languages are spoken in students’ homes. It includes 28 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 5 college and career academies/high schools, and 1 preschool. The district employs about 4,000 staff, including 1,800 teachers.

Job Goal

To facilitate student comprehension and application of concepts, skills and behaviors that contribute to the development of mature, able and responsible members of society; and to ensure continuous improvement in state and national performance levels to prepare students for college and careers in a global society.

Purpose Statement

Assist a licensed Occupational Therapist in helping students gain functional independence so that they can more completely benefit from the educational environment.

Essential Functions

• Assist students in gaining functional independence.
• Assist other personnel as directed by the Executive Director of SPED or by the Licensed Occupational Therapist.
• Assist the OTR with screenings and assessments to identify student needs.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and conferences to receive or convey information related to job functions.
• Collaborate with teachers to develop plans or modify curriculum to meet students’ academic needs.
• Communicate with students, parents/guardians, staff, and the community to facilitate communication between parties.
• Develop awareness of changes in OT (e.g., innovative ideas, techniques, practices) to support and/or modify current methods.
• Facilitate effective occupational therapy interventions to assist teachers in improving students’ academic and life skill success through specialized OT student IEPs.
• Maintain written materials for documentation and reference.
• Monitor students by collecting observational data to aid in progress reports and evaluations, ensuring a safe learning environment.
• Prepare therapy materials and equipment for student use.
• Provide direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals, ensuring compliance with established practices.
• Respond to inquiries from parents, teachers, and staff by providing information or referrals.
• Support newly identified OT students in complying with IEP directives.
• Provide training for applicable staff on specific accommodations (e.g., devices, grips, motor‑writing strategies) as documented by the IEP.

Skills

Required to perform multiple, highly complex technical tasks and periodically upgrade skills.

Knowledge

Basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios); reading technical information; composing documents; facilitating group discussions; solving practical problems; knowledge of relevant codes, policies, regulations, laws, and stages of child development.

Ability

Schedule activities and meetings; gather, collate, and classify data; use equipment; work independently with others in varied circumstances; utilize diverse job‑related equipment; maintain confidentiality; meet deadlines; display patience and self‑control; handle constant interruptions.

Responsibilities

Work under direct supervision of an OTR, use standardized procedures, direct other persons within a small unit, operate within a defined budget, and collaborate with other units as needed. Opportunities to impact the organization’s services exist.

Work Environment

Significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, fine finger dexterity. Roughly 50% sitting, 30% walking, 20% standing. Minimal temperature variations and exposure to injury risk.

Experience

Job‑related experience in a specialized field with increasing responsibility.

Education

Associate degree in Occupational Therapy.

Equivalency

Associate’s Degree with a COTA degree from an accredited program recognized by Kansas.

Required Testing / Licensure

• COTA degree from an accredited Kansas program.
• Current Kansas license.

Continuing Education / Training & Clearances

• Kansas Bureau of Investigation clearance.
• Kansas Department of Children and Families clearance.
• Physical and tuberculosis clearance.

Terms of Employment

186 days.

Salary

Certified Salary Schedule.

FLSA Status

Exempt.

Report To

Director of Libraries and Building Principal.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex/gender (including orientation, identity, or expression), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or any other protected basis.

Contact Information

District Compliance Coordinator
2010 N. 59th Street
Kansas City, KS 66104
913‑279‑2262
Title [e-mail]