Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Oak Harbor Public Schools; Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Harbor Public Schools is seeking a dedicated Occupational/Physical Therapy Assistant for a leave replacement role delivering direct therapy to students with disabilities under the direction of a licensed therapist.

The position runs 8.0 hours per day (plus a 30-minute unpaid lunch) through February 5, 2027, with hands-on intervention per IEP and direct involvement in student progress. The COTA pay level begins at $38.66 per hour.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, habilitation and rehabilitation techniques.
• Knowledge of adaptive equipment, sensory integration techniques, and adaptive aquatics.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to Special Education.
• Skill in using computer software and operating a variety of office equipment.
• Skill in providing therapy, lifting and positioning individuals with disabilities.
• Skill in designing adaptive equipment.
• Ability to train district staff in range-of-motion and positioning techniques.
• Ability to schedule and coordinate activities and maintain student treatment records.
• Ability to deal with students with disabilities in a caring and confident manner.
• Ability to assist in assessing individual student therapy needs.
• Ability to follow instructions as outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEP's).
• Ability to provide treatment techniques to assist students in meeting stated outcomes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and parents.
• Ability to be flexible, self-directed, and work as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff and provide excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct occupational/physical therapy to students with disabilities under the direction of an Occupational/Physical therapist.
• Provide hands-on intervention per IEP.
• Collaborate with supervising therapist and school staff to implement therapy plans.

Skills

Anatomy & physiology

Adaptive equipment knowledge

Sensory integration techniques

Adaptive aquatics

IEP awareness

Documentation skills

Lifting & positioning

Adaptive equipment design

Training district staff

Scheduling & records

Student-focused care

Team collaboration

Customer service

Education

OTA degree (2-year)

Tools

Computer software

Job description

• High school graduation or equivalent and two-year Occupational (or Physical) Therapy Assistant degree from an accredited college
• State of Washington licensure; national certification for occupational or physical therapy
• Experience with Pre-K through high school students with disabilities including ASD and behavioral challenges

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent and two-year Occupational (or Physical) Therapy Assistant degree from an accredited college
• State of Washington licensure; national certification for occupational or physical therapy
• Experience with Pre-K through high school students with disabilities including ASD and behavioral challenges

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, habilitation and rehabilitation techniques
• Knowledge of adaptive equipment, sensory integration techniques, and adaptive aquatics
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to Special Education
• Skill in using computer software and operating a variety of office equipment
• Skill in providing therapy, lifting and positioning individuals with disabilities
• Skill in designing adaptive equipment
• Ability to train district staff in range-of-motion and positioning techniques
• Ability to schedule and coordinate activities and maintain student treatment records
• Ability to deal with students with disabilities in a caring and confident manner
• Ability to assist in assessing individual student therapy needs
• Ability to follow instructions as outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEP's)
• Ability to provide treatment techniques to assist students in meeting stated outcomes
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and parents
• Ability to be flexible, self-directed, and work as a member of a team
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff and provide excellent customer service

General Information

This is a leave replacement position for 8.0 hours per day (plus a 30-minute unpaid lunch period) through February 5, 2027 delivering direct occupational/physical therapy to students with disabilities under the direction of an Occupational/Physical therapist. Direct hands-on intervention is provided per an IEP. Professional/Technical (COTA) pay level begins at $38.66 per hour.