Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA)

Essex Regional Educational Services Commission; Passaic (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex Regional Educational Services Commission is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support students across Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic counties and others. The role involves promoting independence in daily living, observation of student performance, and collaboration with classroom staff and families.

You will implement therapy plans under the supervision of an occupational therapist, collect data, and help adapt activities to improve school participation.

Qualifications

• Valid New Jersey Licensure as a COTA from the NJ Department of Professional Regulation.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate with students.
• Experience working with students with special needs preferred.
• Ability to physically move about the building.
• Ability to lift and position students (30-80 pounds) if assigned to a classroom with such requirements.
• Ability to make decisions with minimal supervision in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to participate in approved behavior management procedures, Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI) and to apply training in crisis situations including student restraints as needed.

Responsibilities

• Promotes independence in activities of daily living through problem solving and observation of the student.
• Observes and suggests positioning techniques to enhance educational participation and maximize function.
• Consults and assists classroom staff through information sharing at team meetings.
• Discusses and exchanges information about students with the occupational therapist.
• Uses task analysis to suggest techniques for feeding, daily living, pre-writing, and other school skills.
• Implements the individualized/small group therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist.
• Collaborates with colleagues and parents to plan and implement student programs.
• Assists in data collection and analysis to determine progress toward goals.
• Assists therapist in formulating new goals based on data.

Skills

COTA licensure

English communication

Experience with special needs

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) JobID: 755

• Position Type:
  Special Programs -Related Services/ Occupational Therapist
  
• Date Posted:
  10/9/2026
  
• Location:
  Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic and other counties
  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Promotes independence in activities of daily living (including dressing and feeding) through problem solving, suggesting adaptations and observation of the student.
• Observes, problem solve and suggests positioning techniques to enhance educational participation and maximize function.
• Consults and assists classroom staff through gathering and sharing information at team meetings when requested.
• Discusses and exchanges information about the students assigned with the occupational therapist.
• Utilizes task analysis to suggest techniques to the educational team with regard to feeding, activities of daily living, pre-writing, pre-cutting, and other skills needed for school performance.
• Implements the individualized/small group therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist based on goals and objectives.
• Collaborates with colleagues and parents in order to share information and expertise to plan and implement effective student programs.
• Assists occupational therapist in determining extent to which goals and objectives are being met by collecting and maintaining data on individual student goals.
• Assists therapist in formulating new goals based on data analysis.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assumes appropriate roles as adult model, behavior manager and educator.
• Continues professional growth.
• Assumes other duties and special projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid New Jersey Licensure as a COTA from the State of New Jersey, Department of Professional Regulation.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate with students.
• Experience working with students with special needs preferred.
• Ability to physically move about the building.
• Ability to lift and position students (30-80 pounds) if assigned to a classroom with such requirements.
• Ability to make decisions with minimal supervision in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to participate in approved behavior management procedures, Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI) and to apply training in crisis situations including student restraints as needed.