Occupational Therapy Assistant

Thrive Therapies

Dallas (TX)

On-site

USD 52,000 - 64,600

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage – no cost to employee

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and school-year schedule

Malpractice insurance

Professional development stipend

Sign-on bonus

Longevity incentive

Licensure/board dues reimbursement

Job summary

Thrive Therapies in Dallas, TX is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant to work under the supervision of a licensed OT, delivering school-based OT services for students K–12. You deliver structured therapy sessions, collect progress data, and support students in achieving IEP goals related to fine motor skills, sensory processing, self‑care, and classroom participation.

You will implement structured therapy sessions, collect progress data, and support students in achieving IEP goals related

Qualifications

ACOTE‑accredited OTA program completion required.
NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential required.
Current state OTA license or registration required.
Background check and immunization clearance per school district requirements.

Responsibilities

Implement OT‑designed treatment plans for students with fine motor, sensory processing, self‑care, and handwriting goals
Deliver one‑on‑one and small‑group therapy sessions using evidence‑based techniques established by the supervising OT
Collect and document precise session data; communicate student progress and observations to the supervising OT at regular supervision meetings
Support sensory accommodation strategies, movement breaks, and classroom modifications per OT direction
Assist with adaptive equipment setup, AAC implementation, and accessibility accommodations
Collaborate with classroom teachers and special education staff to generalize OT strategies into daily school routines
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to AOTA ethical guidelines and NBCOT standards for COTAs

Education

Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance from ACOTE-accredited program

NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Current state OTA license or registration

Background check and immunization clearance per school district requirements

Job description

Why Thrive Therapies

OTAs are essential partners in delivering school-based occupational therapy, yet many work with unclear supervision structures or without the mentorship they need to grow. Thrive places OTAs in schools with dedicated OTR supervisors, documented supervision ratios, and structured professional development pathways.

You’ll implement meaningful therapy under close OT supervision, contribute to real student outcomes, and have a clinical team that sees your growth and advancement as a priority.

Position Summary

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to implement school-based OT services for students K–12. You deliver structured therapy sessions, collect progress data, and support students in achieving IEP goals related to fine motor skills, sensory processing, self‑care, and classroom participation.

Key Responsibilities

Implement OT‑designed treatment plans for students with fine motor, sensory processing, self‑care, and handwriting goals
Deliver one‑on‑one and small‑group therapy sessions using evidence‑based techniques established by the supervising OT
Collect and document precise session data; communicate student progress and observations to the supervising OT at regular supervision meetings
Support sensory accommodation strategies, movement breaks, and classroom modifications per OT direction
Assist with adaptive equipment setup, AAC implementation, and accessibility accommodations
Collaborate with classroom teachers and special education staff to generalize OT strategies into daily school routines
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to AOTA ethical guidelines and NBCOT standards for COTAs

Required Qualifications

Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance from an ACOTE‑accredited program
NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential
Current state OTA license or registration (varies by state)
Clear background check and immunization clearance per school district requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Prior school‑based OTA experience (1+ years)
Certification or training in sensory integration (Ayres SI preferred)
Experience with adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and accessibility assessment
Bilingual capability (Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese)

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is paid over 10 months, aligned with the school‑year calendar. All figures below reflect the Dallas / Fort Worth, TX market.

W‑2 Base Salary: $52,000 – $64,600, based on experience. Full benefits, paid time off, retirement match, disability coverage, and malpractice insurance are included.
1099 Contractor Rate: $39–$47 per hour. Flexibility with competitive hourly rate and full professional supports.
Sign‑On Bonus: $1,000 paid in increments: 25% at 30 days, 25% at 90 days, 50% at 6 months.
Longevity Structure: Up to $2,000 paid after completing first full school year.
CEU Stipend: $750 first year, growing to $2,000 after five years.
Performance Bonus: Paid annually after exceeding performance metrics.

Benefits Offerings

Health Coverage – AT NO COST TO YOU (W‑2 Employees Only)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance – Thrive covers 100% of employee premiums
- Coverage begins day one
- Choice of HSA‑eligible high‑deductible plan or traditional PPO; nationwide PPO network
- Dependent and family coverage available
- 401(k) with up to 5% company match
- Optional voluntary benefits: supplemental life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and FSA
Time Off & Schedule (W‑2 Employees Only)
- School‑year calendar – school holidays off, amounting to 30+ paid days annually
- PTO and sick days
Additional Professional Supports (All Employees)
- Malpractice and professional liability insurance – fully covered by Thrive
- Quarterly professional development led by clinical leadership – school‑based, substantive, and paid
- Paid summer intensive – pre‑year clinical PD that brings the full Thrive team together annually
- No non‑compete agreement – professional mobility retained
- State OTA licensure renewal and NBCOT dues reimbursed annually