CLS - PROF Occupational Therapy Assistant

Adams County School District 14; Colorado; On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA/FSA programs

EAP with support services

RETIREMENT PERA

Job summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports licensed Occupational Therapists in delivering therapy to students, helping improve daily living skills and independence within the school setting.

Under OT guidance, the COTA implements therapy plans, documents progress, and helps students achieve therapy goals, contributing to their academic and social development in Educational Support Services.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance from an accredited program.
• License / Certification required.
• Work experience in occupational therapy or related healthcare settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the OT in providing therapeutic services to students.
• Implement therapy plans and document progress toward goals.
• Maintain detailed records and adapt plans to individual needs.
• Collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to support IEPs and 504 plans.
• Assist with sensory processing interventions and use of adaptive devices.

Skills

Compassion

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Physical stamina

Education

Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance

Job description

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Openings as of 8/24/2026

CLS - PROF Occupational Therapy Assistant JobID: 8223

• Position Type: Classified/ Classified
• Date Posted: 8/3/2026
• Location: Educational Support Services

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFIED

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education PAY GRADE:CLS-13

LOCATION:Educational Support Services DAYS: 192 | CALENDAR C

JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports licensed Occupational Therapists (OTs) in providing therapeutic services to individuals who require occupational therapy to improve their daily living skills, independence, and overall quality of life. The COTA works under the guidance of the OT, implementing therapy plans, documenting progress, and helping clients achieve their therapy goals.

REQUIREMENTS

Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance from an accredited program

License / Certification Required

Work Experience Required

Prior experience in occupational therapy or related healthcare settings is often preferred

Other Skills and Abilities Required

Compassion, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills to connect with clients and their families.

Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with clients, and support staff.

Proficiency in understanding and implementing occupational therapy principles and techniques.

Adaptability to changing therapy plans and the flexibility to cater to individual client needs.

Organizational skills to maintain accurate client records and documentation.

Physical stamina and dexterity to assist clients in therapy exercises and activities.

Adherence to ethical, legal, and professional standards in the field of occupational therapy

KEY FUNCTIONS, ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the OT to assess the specific needs and challenges of students, including their sensory, motor, and developmental statuses.
• Implement therapy activities and exercises based on the guidance and goals set by the OT. These interventions aim to improve students' academic, social, and daily living skills.
• Work with the educational team to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans for students requiring occupational therapy services.
• Maintain detailed records of student progress and therapy interventions, continuously updating and adapting therapy plans to address individual needs.
• Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, and parents to support students in their classroom environments, ensuring they can fully engage in academic and social activities.
• Provide guidance and interventions to address sensory processing challenges, helping students better manage sensory information and self-regulate.
• Teach students how to use assistive devices and adaptive equipment to enhance their independence and participation in school activities.
• Foster students' self-confidence and motivation through emotional support and encouragement, ensuring their active participation in the therapy process.
• Establish effective communication with students, their families, educators, and the school team to ensure a collaborative approach to student support.
• Maintain a safe therapy environment, adhere to relevant safety protocols, and ensure the safety of students during therapy sessions.
• Educate students and their families on the benefits of therapy, providing strategies for students to carry over progress in school and home settings.
• Ensure the proper maintenance and cleanliness of therapy equipment and tools used in school-based therapy.
• Uphold ethical and professional standards in all aspects of the role, including maintaining students' confidentiality and dignity.

Other

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

n/a

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work primarily in offices, hallways, gyms, classrooms, bathrooms, shops, playgrounds, cafeterias, portable buildingsand pool environments. The employee may be required to work from a remote location in the event of a district shut-down or other event.Employees may be required to work evenings and weekends and attend events where community members are in attendance.

Mental Functions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate, compare, analyze, coordinate, instruct, evaluate, and use interpersonal skills. Occasionally required to compile, copy, compute and negotiate.

TRANSPARENCY IN PAY AND BENEFITS

Adams 14 is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits and complies with Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our employees.

Compensation for this position is $27.83 per hour to $43.91 per hour (2025-2026), based on verified experience and qualifications, and aligned with the Adams 14 salary schedule. This position is scheduled for 192 work days annually. Additional compensation opportunities may be available through stipends or supplemental assignments, depending on job responsibilities.

Benefits include: Paid Time Off (PTO), Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, District contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free and confidential support services, Wellness and preventive care programs. Voluntary coverage options for life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, cancer care, legal assistance, and accident insurance are available for all full-time staff.

Retirement and voluntary benefits include: Membership in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) and optional retirement savings plans including 403(b) and 457(b).

For more detailed information, please review the Adams 14 Employee Benefits Guide, available on the District website