School-Based Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Strides Therapy & Educational Services; Warrenton (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits on Day 1

401k with employer match

PTO/sick time

Professional liability insurance

Cancer insurance

Pet insurance

Life insurance

Catastrophe medical

Job summary

Strides Therapy & Educational Services is seeking a School-Based Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) to support students in Virginia schools. This in-person role requires collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to address fine motor, sensory, and functional development within IEP goals.

The position emphasizes direct student therapy, data collection, and documentation, with responsibilities spanning planning, implementation, and coordination with families and school staff.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current Virginia COTA license issued by the Virginia Board of Medicine or eligibility.
• NBCOT certification is required.
• Pediatric or school-based experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct occupational therapy services to students as outlined in IEPs.
• Implement treatment plans developed by the supervising OT.
• Assist students in developing fine motor, visual motor, and school participation skills.
• Collect data and document progress toward IEP goals.
• Maintain accurate service documentation in line with district and regulatory guidelines.
• Collaborate with teachers and families to support student success.
• Prepare therapy materials and maintain equipment.
• Attend IEP and team meetings as requested by the supervising OT.

Skills

Pediatric experience

Team collaboration

Communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Associate's degree in OTA

NBCOT certification

Job description

Job Title: School-Based Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Company: Strides Therapy & Educational Services

About Us

Strides Therapy & Educational Services is a leading local provider of contract therapy services dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of students in schools across Maryland. We are seeking a skilled and passionate Occupational Therapist to join our team of professionals, working collaboratively to support students' fine motor, sensory, and functional development within educational settings.

Position Overview

As a School-Based Occupational Therapist Assistant in Virginia, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on students' lives by addressing their unique needs, enhancing their participation in school activities, and helping them achieve their educational goals. Your expertise will be crucial in promoting students' overall well-being and success in the school environment.

Location: Warrenton, VA

Additional Details: In‑Person Role

Requirements: Current Virginia Occupational Therapy Assistant license issued by the Virginia Board of Medicine.

Expected Hours per week: 7.5 hours a day; 37.5

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the COTA will:

• Provide direct occupational therapy services to students as outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Implement treatment plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Assist students in developing fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, self‑care, handwriting, and school participation skills.
• Collect data and document student progress toward IEP goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely service documentation in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
• Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, related service providers, and families to support student success.
• Assist with implementing classroom accommodations and adaptive strategies.
• Prepare therapy materials and maintain therapy equipment.
• Participate in IEP meetings and team meetings as requested by the supervising OT.
• Maintain compliance with all school district policies, IDEA regulations, HIPAA/FERPA requirements, and professional standards.
• Travel between school sites as assigned, if applicable.

Qualifications

Associate's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Current state COTA license (or eligibility for licensure).

NBCOT certification required.

Previous Pediatric Or School‑based Experience Preferred But Not Required.

Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.

Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team.

Benefits

• Health Benefits on Day 1 (Medical, Dental, Vision) with 50% employer contribution
• 401k with match and immediate vesting, 100% match for the first 3% and 50% for 4 % and 5% (also a part‑time benefit)
• Up to 40 hours PTO/sick time (also a part‑time benefit)
• Professional liability insurance (also a part‑time benefit)
• Cancer insurance (also a part‑time benefit)
• Pet insurance (also a part‑time benefit)
• Life insurance (also a part‑time benefit)
• Catastrophe medical (also a part‑time benefit)