OPS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASST - CERT - 48910965

State of Florida; Saint Augustine (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) seeks a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support students with occupational therapy services under supervision. The role focuses on implementing plans of care, documenting progress, and collaborating with teachers, families, and OTs to meet IEP goals.

The position requires pediatric school experience, Florida licensure, CPR/CPI training, and willingness to adapt activities to individual student needs.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university.
• Valid and current Occupational Therapy Assistant License from the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy.
• 6 months experience as a COTA in a pediatric setting.
• Experience working as a COTA in a school setting is preferred, but not required.
• Basic sign language is an asset but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide OT services to FSDB students per OT Plans of Care.
• Assist with assessment, intervention, and documentation for IEP goals.
• Document progress and prepare treatment plans for daily therapy sessions.
• Attend IEP meetings and adapt materials to student needs.
• Perform administrative duties including progress notes and communications.

Skills

CPR certification

CPI certification

Pediatric experience

Sign language (basic)

Education

Associate degree in Occupational Therapy

Valid and current Occupational Therapy Assistant License

6 months experience as a COTA in a pediatric setting

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

OPS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASST - CERT - 48910965

Date: Sep 15, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

Requisition No:883773

Agency: School for the Deaf & Blind

Working Title: OPS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASST - CERT - 48910965

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB)

Job Advertisement

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Department – Physical/Occupational Therapy

Position Type – Part-Time OPS

Position # 48910965

Temporary position starting December 1, 2026 and ending March 31, 2027

Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to provide Occupational Therapy services to students at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) according to the Plan of Care outlined by Occupational Therapists (OT).

Duties:

• Work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR).
• Assist in supplementing and providing direct and consultative educationally relevant Occupational Therapy (OT) services as designated by OTR in accordance with students’ goals and objectives contained in their Individual Educational Program (IEP).
• Assist with assessment, intervention, treatment, and other activities to enhance motor, sensory, self-care and other functional abilities as needed. There may also be other duties and responsibilities which may arise for which the COTA may be responsible.
• Provide OT services to students according to Plans of Care outlined by Occupational Therapists Document students’ progress towards meeting established IEP goals and objectives. Prepare and plan student treatment intervention for daily therapy sessions and document progress.
• Document students’ progress towards meeting established IEP goals and objectives.
• Prepare and plan student treatment intervention for daily therapy sessions and document progress.
• Prepare and perform administrative duties to include, but not limited to, daily student progress notes, quarterly progress monitoring, email or in-person communication with staff and/or families.
• Adapt/modify/amend materials, equipment and/or therapeutic activity to cater to student’s unique needs and abilities.
• Attend IEP meetings to discuss progress and proposed goals for students who receive OT services.
• Other related duties that arise and/ or are designated by the Occupational Therapists.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Requires the ability to work within the Therapy department, classrooms and/or the FSDB campus.
• Requires the ability to work primarily with students, as well as with other members of the therapy department, teachers, families, and other professionals.
• Requires the ability to use small office equipment and computers.
• Requires the ability to work and/or attend meetings and other events in various buildings on campus.
• Requires the ability to navigate stairs and assist therapy department staff with transporting students either by walking or driving the therapy golf cart. Other physical demands may be required as situations arise.
• Requires the ability to transfer to/from various surfaces eg. sit at a desk/table, on low chairs, on the floor or on mats for various amounts of time.
• Requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time in a variety of settings.
• Requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Requires the ability to complete training and administer skills acquired in CPR.
• Associate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Valid and current Occupational Therapy Assistant License from the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy.
• 6 months experience as a COTA in a pediatric setting.
• Experience working as a COTA in school setting is preferred, but not required.
• Basic sign language is an asset but not required.

Pre-qualifications:

• Must have a current valid driver's license and automobile insurance.
• Must have current and valid Occupational Therapy liability insurance.
• Required to complete CPR and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (CPI) certification as required by FSDB.
• Required to complete various training and/or courses mandated by FSDB.

Schedule:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 24 Hours Total; Hours are flexible.

Salary:

$25.00 per hour

Condition of employment:

Applicants under consideration for employment at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind will be required to complete background investigation. Fingerprints will be taken and sent to the Florida Department of Law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a background check of your criminal history record(s) at the state and national level via the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website https://info.flclearinghouse.com

FSDB is a drug-free workplace.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.