Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

REAL Journey Academies; United States; On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

REAL Journey Academies in Ontario, CA is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to implement OT treatment plans for students with disabilities under supervision of a licensed OT. You will support fine motor, sensory processing, handwriting, self-care, and school participation, aligning services with IEPs and applicable CA requirements.

Responsibilities include documenting progress, collaborating with teachers and families, and assisting with adaptive equipment and classroom

Qualifications

• Knowledge of pediatric occupational therapy, sensory integration, handwriting, fine motor development, visual perception, executive functioning, and adaptive equipment.
• Understanding of IDEA, 504, and CA special education requirements.
• Ability to implement OT treatment plans and document progress accurately.

Responsibilities

• Implement treatment plans developed by the supervising OT and provide individual or small-group services as specified in IEPs.
• Support fine and gross motor, sensory processing, handwriting, self-care, and functional life skills.
• Assist students with classroom access through adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications under OT supervision.
• Document services and student progress toward IEP goals; maintain accurate service logs and report data to the supervising OT.
• Prepare therapy materials, maintain equipment, and assist with observations and implementation of OT strategies.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, related service providers, and families; participate in IEP meetings as requested by the supervising OT.

Skills

Pediatric OT knowledge

Sensory integration

Handwriting

Fine motor development

Visual perception

Executive functioning

Adaptive equipment

Education

Associate degree in OTA

2 years COTA experience in school/pediatric/rehab/healthcare

Tools

California License

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Real Journey Academies - Ontario, CA 91764, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $30.00 - $35.00 Hourly, REAL Journey Academies (RJA) is a non-profit charter school. Our vision is that RJA schools will transform our communities by raising expectations for achievement, offering a high level of opportunity, and educating the next generation of leaders.

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) implements occupational therapy treatment plans for students with disabilities. The COTA supports fine motor, sensory processing, visual-motor, self-help, functional, and school participation skills to help students access the educational environment. Services are provided in accordance with student IEPs and applicable special education requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement treatment plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist and provide individual or small-group services as specified in student IEPs.
• Support fine and gross motor, sensory processing, visual-motor, handwriting, self-care,e and functional life skills.
• Assist students with classroom access through adaptive equipment, assistive technology,gy and environmental modifications under OT supervision.
• Document services and student progress toward IEP goals; maintain accurate service logs and report performance data to the supervising OT.
• Prepare therapy materials, maintain equipment, and assist with classroom observations and implementation of OT strategies.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, related service providers,s and families; participate in IEP meetings as requested by the supervising OT.
• Maintain confidentiality, follow applicable special education requirements, and attend required meetings, training, and professional development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Traits

• Knowledge of pediatric occupational therapy, sensory integration, handwriting, fine motor development, visual perception, executive functioning, ng and adaptive equipment.
• Understanding of IDEA, Section 504, California special education requirements,nts and inclusive educational practices.
• Ability to implement OT treatment plans, maintain accurate electronic documentation, and communicate effectively with students, families, and school personnel.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and collaborative skills; familiarity with UDL and MTSS preferred.

Education and/or Experience

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Two years of COTA experience in a school, pediatric, rehabilitation,n or healthcare setting preferred.
• Experience supporting students with a range of disabilities is highly desirable.

Required Licenses and/or Certificates

• Current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) certification and current California Occupational Therapy Assistant license, as applicable.
• Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• DOJ/FBI fingerprint clearance, tuberculosis clearance,ce and other required pre-employment clearances.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.

Language and Computer Skills

Communicate clearly with students, families and educational teams; read and apply IEPs and relevant procedures; maintain accurate service logs, progress records and electronic documentation.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching and sitting on the floor; ability to demonstrate therapy activities and use adaptive equipment.
• Ability to lift, transfer, position and assist students weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance when necessary.
• Work in classrooms, therapy rooms, playgrounds, and community-based settings; occasional exposure to communicable illness and outdoor conditions.
• May travel between school sites and must respond promptly in emergencies.