SPED-Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant-Auburn Washburn

Rapid City Area Schools; Girard (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

403(b) retirement with employer match

Education reimbursement up to $1,500

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

SEKESC is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide therapeutic services to eligible students in Auburn Washburn. The COTA will implement the established therapy program, collaborate with OT and school staff, and promote independence in activities of daily living within the school environment.

The role requires Kansas licensure as a COTA, an associate degree in OTA, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Valid Kansas COTA license from the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.
• Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (minimum) from an AOTA-accredited program.
• Valid driver’s license; REAL ID if air travel is required.
• Must be in good standing with partnering district(s).
• Bachelor's degree or higher (preferred).
• Experience with students with special needs in school settings (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Promote independence in daily living through problem solving, adaptations, and observation.
• Observe and suggest positioning to maximize educational participation and function.
• Consult and assist classroom staff at team meetings when requested.
• Use task analysis to support the educational team in daily living and school-related activities.
• Implement the therapy program prescribed by the OT based on goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues and families to plan effective student programs.
• Assist therapists in data collection to monitor goal attainment and to formulate new goals.
• Monitor student positioning and gross/fine motor activities as guided by the certified professional.
• Equipment management and maintenance for motor support.

Skills

Effective communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

SPED-Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant-Auburn Washburn

Job Posting ID: 86

Location(s): AUBURN WASHBURN

Employment Type: Full Time

Posted Date: 07/23/2026

Deadline: Until Filled

Job Description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - COTA

Job Summary: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides unique therapeutic services to enhance the goals and objectives of eligible students. The COTA is primarily responsible for implementing the therapeutic program prescribed by the Occupational Therapist.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

A valid driver’s license is required for employment. REAL ID is required if air travel is necessary to complete job duties.

• Valid Kansas Licensure as a COTA from the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.
• Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (minimum) from a school accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Must be in good standing with partnering district(s) where the program is located.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Experience working with students with special needs in the school setting.
• Effectively communicate solutions to complex problems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

• Promote independence in activities of daily living (including dressing and feeding) through problem-solving, suggesting adaptations, and observation of the student.
• Observe, problem-solve, and suggest positioning techniques to enhance educational participation and maximize function.
• Consult and assist classroom staff through gathering and sharing information at team meetings when requested.
• Utilize task analysis to suggest techniques to the educational team regarding feeding, activities of daily living, pre-writing, pre-cutting, and other skills needed for school performance.
• Implement the individualized/small group therapy program prescribed by the Occupational Therapist based on goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues and parents to share information and expertise to plan and implement effective student programs.
• Assist Occupational therapists in determining the extent to which goals and objectives are being met by collecting and maintaining data on individual student goals.
• Assist therapists in formulating new goals based on data analysis.
• Monitor student positioning and gross/fine motor activities as guided by the certified professional.
• Equipment management, distribution, and maintenance specific for motor support.

General Responsibilities:

• Maintain timely documentation.
• Support the mission, goals, and objectives of the Southeast Kansas EducationService Center (SEKESC).
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.
• Maintain strict confidentiality as outlined by FERPA and HIPAA.
• Ability to work alone and in groups to provide services.
• Maintain professional relationships with families.
• Assume responsibility for individual professional growth by staying current with literature, research, and/or practices.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the ability to effectively and regularly communicate with other employees of the SEKESC and constituents.
• Complete all assignments in a timely manner including communication with other staff and families.
• Follow all safety requirements as directed by the SEKESC.
• Regular and predictive attendance in the designated work location as determined by the Executive Director or designee.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designee.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lifting to 40 pounds.
• Manage all job duties with mobility, agility, and dexterity.
• Sit/stand for long periods.
• Work in loud/stressful environments.
• Ability to drive in varying weather and geographical conditions.
• Being exposed to infectious and contagious diseases.
• Being exposed to hazardous materials.
• Being exposed to work settings that offer a risk to personal security and that are not ADA-compliant.

Responsible to: Director of Special Education or Designee

Supervises: NA

• Comprehensive benefits for employees working 1004+ hours per year, including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, flexible spending accounts, and ancillary policies available.
• Retirement benefits through KPERS and optional 403(b) plans, with Greenbush matching up to $100/month
• If applicable, paid leave, including vacation, sick, personal leave, holidays, and parental leave for FMLA-eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and student loan planning services for employees and immediate family members
• Education Reimbursement up to $1,500 per for eligible employees, plus eligible professional license reimbursement

Greenbush is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, status as a veteran, pregnancy and related conditions, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The company does not provide sponsorship for employment visas (e.g., H-1B visa) for this position.