Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant (COTA-Orthopedic Focus)

Minga Education Group; Montrose (CO); Hybrid; USD 26,863 - 29,618; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits for full-time

Paid sick leave for part-time

Job summary

Minga Education Group is seeking a Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant (COTA) to provide data-driven mobility and access services across Colorado. This role is part-time and requires a Colorado residency. The COTA will partner with educators to implement orthopedic interventions and improve access to school environments.

Responsibilities include facilitating mobility interventions, recording progress, and collaborating with teams to support student engagement. Employees working 30+ hours per week receive health benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be a Colorado resident.
• Experience with pediatric, orthopedic, or school-based populations preferred.
• Ability to follow treatment plans with fidelity.

Responsibilities

• Implement orthopedic and functional mobility interventions.
• Facilitate strength, balance, and functional movement activities.
• Support students in safely accessing classrooms and environments.

Skills

Therapeutic intervention

Mobility strategies

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Data collection and documentation

Education

Completion of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program

Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant studies

Current Colorado COTA license

Job description

Job Title: Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant (COTA-Orthopedic Focus)

Location: State-Wide – MUST BE A COLORADO RESIDENT

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Director of Exceptional Student Services

Work Hours/Days: Part-time, Temporary. Full-Time or Part-Time based on student enrollment and special education service needs. Caseload expectations will be aligned with FTE assignment in accordance with state and federal special education guidelines.

Wage: $19.50-21.50 per hour. Compensation will be prorated based on FTE assignment.

Benefits: Benefit eligibility is based on FTE status. Employees working 30 hours or greater per week are eligible for full benefits including health, dental, vision, 401k and paid leave. Employees working less than 30 hours per week will get paid sick leave.

Job Function

The Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant supports the delivery of inclusive, data‑driven mobility and access services by partnering with school leaders, Physical Therapists, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and families to implement high‑quality, compliant orthopedic and functional movement interventions for qualifying students. This role strengthens MTSS/RTI frameworks, trauma‑informed practices, and SEL‑aligned participation supports by promoting safe, culturally responsive access to school environments. The COTA provides therapeutic intervention, consultation, and progress monitoring to address the orthopedic, motor, and functional needs of students with disabilities. Through collaborative teaming, targeted staff training, and inclusion‑focused problem‑solving, the COTA builds capacity in schools to improve mobility, safety, and engagement for students across settings, including those served through 504, Gifted, and Multi‑Lingual Learner supports. The COTA is a key contributor to multidisciplinary evaluation and IEP teams, with some remote consultation and documentation.

Core Responsibilities

• Implement orthopedic and functional mobility interventions as outlined in the PT's treatment plan.
• Facilitate strength, balance, endurance, motor‑planning, and functional movement activities aligned to IEP goals.
• Support students in safely accessing classrooms, playgrounds, buses, and other school environments.
• Reinforce strategies that promote independence, participation, and safe movement across routines.

Data Collection & Documentation

• Record accurate session notes, progress data, and observational information.
• Communicate student performance, safety concerns, and emerging needs to the supervising PT.
• Assist with preparing data summaries for IEP meetings and progress reporting.
• Maintain documentation that meets district, state, and federal requirements.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Partner with teachers, paraprofessionals, and families to generalize motor and mobility strategies across settings.
• Support training on safe lifting, transfers, positioning, and use of adaptive equipment.
• Participate in team‑based problem‑solving to reduce barriers to access, safety, and participation.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary evaluation and IEP teams within the assistant‑level scope.

Equipment & Environment

• Assist with fitting, maintenance, and safe use of adaptive and mobility equipment.
• Monitor student positioning, safety, and environmental access throughout the school day.
• Report equipment needs or concerns to the supervising PT for follow‑up.
• Support staff in maintaining safe, accessible learning environments.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program or equivalent coursework.
• Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant studies or a related field.
• Current Colorado COTA license or eligibility to obtain it.
• Experience with pediatric, orthopedic, or school‑based populations preferred.
• Ability to follow treatment plans with fidelity and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to culturally responsive, inclusive, and trauma‑informed practice.

Optional Remote/Tele‑Support

• Virtual consultation with teachers and families.
• Remote progress monitoring when appropriate.
• Digital documentation and collaboration.

Salary

$29.25 - $33.18 per hour