School-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Tom Trese Networking LLC; Tuscaloosa (AL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Tom Trese Networking LLC is seeking a School-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join the student services team in Tuscaloosa, AL. You will work under an OTR, helping students build fine motor, sensory, and self-care skills for classroom participation.

You’ll collaborate with teachers, SLPs, and staff, document progress toward IEP goals, and support adaptive equipment and environmental setup in the school setting.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
• Active (or eligible for) COTA license from the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy.
• NBCOT certification and CPR/BLS certification.
• Experience with pediatric populations or school setting preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, creative problem-solving, and familiarity with pediatric milestones.

Responsibilities

• Direct Therapy Delivery: Implement targeted occupational therapy interventions to support IEPs and 504 plans.
• Classroom Integration: Focus on handwriting, tool use, sensory regulation strategies, executive functioning, and mobility within school spaces.
• Collaboration & Support: Work with teachers, SLPs, and staff to implement sensory diets and classroom accommodations.
• Progress Tracking & Reporting: Document progress toward IEP goals and contribute data for annual reviews under OTR guidance.
• Equipment & Environmental Setup: Assist with adaptive equipment, seating, and assistive technology in the school setting.
• Family Engagement: Communicate with parents to reinforce therapy strategies at home.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Creative problem-solving

Pediatric milestones

Education

OTA program graduate

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic School-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our student services team in Tuscaloosa. Working under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR), you will help students build the fine motor, sensory, visual-motor, and self-care skills necessary to participate fully in the classroom and thrive in their educational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Therapy Delivery: Implement targeted occupational therapy interventions to support students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.

• Classroom Integration: Focus on functional skill-building, including handwriting, tool use (scissors, art supplies), sensory regulation strategies, executive functioning, and mobility within school spaces.

• Collaboration & Support: Work closely with general and special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, and school staff to implement sensory diets, seating modifications, and classroom accommodations.

• Progress Tracking & Reporting: Document student progress toward specific IEP goals, log service delivery times, and contribute data for annual IEP reviews under OTR guidance.

• Equipment & Environmental Setup: Assist with adaptive equipment, specialized seating, and assistive technology devices within the school setting.

• Family Engagement: Maintain open communication with parents and caregivers to reinforce therapy strategies at home.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.

• Licensure: Active (or eligibility for) COTA license from the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy.

• Certifications: Current NBCOT certification and CPR/BLS certification.

• Experience: Prior experience working with pediatric populations or in a school setting is highly preferred.

• Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, patience, creative problem-solving, and familiar with pediatric developmental milestones.