Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

New Story Schools; Carlisle (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid school breaks

Holidays

Wellness perks

Tuition reimbursement

Career development

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Life & disability insurance

Job summary

New Story Schools in Carlisle, PA is seeking a Certified OT Assistant (COTA) to support individualized occupational therapy services for students ages 5–21. You will work under the supervision of a licensed OT to build fine motor, sensory processing, and daily living skills, contributing to IEP goals and classroom participation.

Join a collaborative team of teachers, therapists, and families to foster student independence.

Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Knowledge of child development and behavioral disorders.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional, reliable, and adaptable approach to student support.

Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy interventions under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
• Implement IEP goals to build fine motor, sensory processing, and daily living skills.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to support student growth and engagement.
• Apply behavior management strategies to encourage positive participation and self-regulation.
• Document progress, maintain accurate records, and manage therapy materials and equipment.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Documentation

Education

Associate degree in OTA

Job description

As a Certified OT Assistant (COTA) at New Story Schools, you will support the delivery of individualized occupational therapy services that help students strengthen motor, sensory, and self-care skills. You will collaborate with teachers, families, and therapists to ensure each student receives consistent, high-quality support that fosters independence and participation in the classroom and beyond.

What You’ll Need

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Current Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Assistant license
• Knowledge of child development and behavioral disorders
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Professional, reliable, and adaptable approach to student support

What You’ll Do

• Provide occupational therapy interventions under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist
• Implement IEP goals to build fine motor, sensory processing, and daily living skills
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to support student growth and engagement
• Apply behavior management strategies to encourage positive participation and self-regulation
• Document progress, maintain accurate records, and manage therapy materials and equipment

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Enjoy both paid time off and extra paid school breaks (for select roles), plus paid holidays
• Wellness perks including gym discounts, mindfulness apps, and prescription savings
• Tuition reimbursement, career development programs, and leadership training
• 401(k) retirement savings with a 4% company match and immediate vesting
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling, life coaching, and mental health resources
• Life insurance, disability coverage, and Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions at no cost to you

At New Story Schools, we serve students ages 5–21 with autism and emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Guided by individualized learning, therapeutic integration, and collaboration, we empower students to grow and prepare for meaningful adult lives. Join our team and help students write their new story.

New Story Schools is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].