Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

District Wide; Townshend (VT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Windham Central Supervisory Union District Wide in Vermont is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support students with fine and gross motor needs under the direction of the Occupational Therapist.

You will implement therapeutic interventions, adapt environments, collaborate with teachers and families, maintain records, and participate in IEP-related activities to help students access the curriculum.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; prior school experience beneficial.
• Experience assessing and selecting assistive technology in a school setting.
• Experience in IDEA policy and procedures.
• Experience implementing therapy under supervision of an Occupational Therapist.
• Licensure: Vermont OTA license/certificate valid for the position.

Responsibilities

• Implements direct occupational therapy services according to IEP goals.
• Adapts school environments, tools, and materials under OT supervision.
• Assists OT in assessing students' fine motor and developmental skills.
• Collaborates with therapists, teachers, and families to review goals and service plans.
• Maintains accurate records and complies with regulations, including Medicaid logs.
• Manages equipment and materials for therapy sessions and orders supplies as needed.
• Attends meetings and trainings to improve service delivery.
• Presents student performance data and clinical feedback to ensure adherence to internal controls.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Confidentiality

Adaptability

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Assistive technology evaluation

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Windham Central Supervisory Union District Wide - Townshend, Vermont Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Windham Central Supervisory Union 46

Job Details

Job ID: 5721563

Application Deadline: Sep 30, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Re-Posted: Aug 13, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026

Job Description

Job Title: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Reports To: Occupational Therapist and Director of Student Services

Position Objectives:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is responsible for implementing intervention and therapy regarding students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) under the direction of the Occupational Therapist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Implement Therapeutic Interventions: Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to their IEP goals and implements therapeutic activities and instruction for students, teachers, parents, and others.


• Adapt Environment and Materials: Modifies school and classroom environments, tools, and materials under the OT's supervision to improve student functioning and access to curricular activities.


• Assist with Assessment and Recommendations: Assists the Occupational Therapist in assessing students' fine motor and developmental skills to determine deficits and develop appropriate recommendations.


• Consultation and Collaboration: Consults with other therapists (PT, SLP), teachers, assistants, and families to review/revise student goals, develop service plans, and provide information.


• Maintain Records and Compliance: Prepares and maintains written materials (e.g., activity logs, progress notes, reports) and files in cooperation with the OT to ensure documentation and compliance with regulations. Also submits Medicaid logs.


• Manage Equipment and Resources: Maintains treatment equipment and supplies, troubleshoots assistive devices, and transports materials needed for therapy sessions. Also reaches out to the AA to the Director of Student Services to order materials and submit monthly Mileage Reimbursement Forms.


• Attend Meetings and Training: Participates in meetings and workshops (e.g., IEPs, team meetings, training) to convey or receive information and best practices for school OT delivery.


• Present Information: Communicates student performance data and clinical feedback to ensure adherence to established internal controls.

Qualifications:

• Education/Experience: Associate’s degree required
  
  
  • Prior Experience in a school setting beneficial
  
  
  • Experience assessing and selecting assistive technology in a school setting.
  
  
  • Experience in IDEA policy and procedures. 6. Experience implementing appropriate therapy under the direction of an Occupational Therapist
  
  


• Licensure: Current and Valid Vermont OTA license/certificate appropriate for the position.


• Knowledge/Skills:
  
  
  
  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
    
    
    
    • Operating Standards for Vermont’s Schools Serving Children with Disabilities.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • FERPA and HIPPA.
  
  
  • IDEA and the IEP process.
  
  
  • Vermont rules and regulations regarding occupational therapy.
  
  
  
  


• Educational Expertise:
  
  
  
  • Vermont’s Academic Content Standards.
  
  
  • Current testing programs, mandated assessment tools, and effective intervention strategies.
  
  
  • Current educational issues and best practices.
  
  
  
  


• Professional Abilities:
  
  
  
  • Apply problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
  
  
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  
  
  • Analyze and interpret assessment data and maintain accurate student records, while maintaining confidentiality.
  
  
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, co-workers, administrators, and the public.
  
  
  • Recognize student strengths and weaknesses in communication.
  
  
  • Work with teachers and students to demonstrate support in the general education classroom and in non-traditional treatment settings.
  
  
  • Work effectively with students who have various cognitive, emotional, and physical limitations.
  
  
  • Work with a team to evaluate program progress and implement changes.
  
  
  
  


• Additional Competencies:
  
  
  
  • Meets all mandated health screening requirements.
  
  
  • A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
  
  
  • Adheres to the Vermont Licensure Code of Professional Conduct.
  
  
  • Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies, and administrative guidelines/procedures.
  
  
  • Ability to establish working relationships with coworkers and function as part of a cohesive team.
  
  
  • Commitment to keep current with skills essential to the objectives of the position. Ability to facilitate student/family access to appropriate community resources
  
  
  
  

Evaluation:

• Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the Windham Central Supervisory Union. WCSU is an equal opportunity employer. Reports to, evaluated by, and receives general administrative direction from the OT and the Director of Student Services.


• This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories:

Special Education > OT Assistant

Student Services > Occupational Therapist

Job Requirements

• Bachelor degree preferred.


• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Michelle Hartje , Director of Student Services


• WCSU Central Office


• Phone: [phone]


• Email: [e-mail]