School-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Keystone Distinction Group; Tuscaloosa (AL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group is seeking a dedicated School-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our student services team in Tuscaloosa, AL. Under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR), you will help students build fine motor, sensory, visual-motor, and self-care skills for classroom participation.

You will collaborate with teachers, SLPs, and staff to implement sensory diets, accommodations, and environmental setups, while tracking progress toward IEP

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited OTA program.
• Active Alabama COTA license (or eligibility).
• Current NBCOT certification and CPR/BLS.
• Experience with pediatric populations or school settings preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and patience.

Responsibilities

• Direct Therapy Delivery: implement targeted OT interventions to support students' IEPs/504 plans.
• Classroom Integration: focus on functional skill-building and mobility within school spaces.
• Collaboration & Support: work with teachers, SLPs, and staff to implement sensory strategies and accommodations.
• Progress Tracking & Reporting: document progress toward IEP goals and log service delivery times.
• Equipment & Environmental Setup: assist with adaptive equipment and seating within the school setting.
• Family Engagement: maintain open communication with parents to reinforce therapy strategies at home.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Creative problem-solving

Pediatric developmental milestones

Education

Graduate of an accredited OTA program

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.