Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant McAuley Nazareth Inc. McAuley Nazareth Inc. - Leicester, Massachusetts Job Details

Job ID:

5677936

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

Immediately Job Description

Job Title:

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Reports to: Director of Nursing

Status:

Non-Exempt

Salary Range:

$30.00-$35.00 per hour

Primary Responsibility:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports the provision of occupational therapy services to students with diverse learning, developmental, physical, and emotional needs in a special education day school setting. Working under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), the COTA implements individualized therapy plans that promote students' functional independence, participation in the school environment, and access to their educational programming.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Student Support
• Implement OT treatment plans designed by supervising OT in alignment with students' IEP goals.
• Support students in developing skills related to sensory regulation, fine motor development, visual-motor integration, self-care, executive functioning, and school participation.
• Lead or assist with individual, small-group, and classroom-based interventions.
• Provide sensory support, movement breaks, and environmental modifications to enhance student engagement and regulation.
• Assist students with adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and functional classroom materials.
• Collaboration & School Integration
• Work collaboratively with teachers, paraprofessionals, clinicians, medical team, and administrators.
• Participate in team meetings and provide input on student progress, needs, and strategies.
• Support implementation of OT recommendations within classrooms and other school spaces.
• Communicate effectively with youth and staff while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain accurate daily session notes, data collection, and progress documentation according to school and state guidelines.
• Document student performance and promptly communicate changes or concerns to the supervising OT.
• Assist with preparation of materials and data for IEP meetings, progress reports, and evaluations.
• Environment, Materials & Safety
• Prepare and organize therapy materials, sensory tools, and adaptive equipment.
• Ensure daily, weekly and monthly cleaning and sanitizing tasks are completed timely.
• Support safe use of equipment and follow all school safety procedures.
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining the OT room or sensory spaces. In all areas, perform other related duties as required and/or assigned. Education/Qualifications
• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current state licensure/certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Experience working with children or adolescents, preferably in educational or special needs settings.

Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of sensory processing and regulation strategies.
• Experience with students diagnosed with autism, developmental delays, emotional/behavioral needs, physical impairments, or complex learning needs.
• Familiarity with IEPs, special education processes, and data-driven progress monitoring.
• Ability to adapt interventions based on student needs and responses.
• Patience, compassion, creativity, and flexibility.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Must be able to read, write, and speak English. Bilingual capacity in English/Spanish an asset.
• Must be able to communicate effectively by telephone and in person.
• Must be proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and have the ability to quickly learn any needed new computer skills
• Must be able to bend, assist in lifting a person, twist and sit on floor for implementation of daily schedule.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to physically escort and/or physically restrain residents.
• Must have manual dexterity and motor skills to grasp and lift objects.
• Must be able to bend and lift to purchase and/or access program supplies.
• Must be able to walk and climb stairs for entry and mobility throughout the buildings, which may have several levels of stairs as well as for program implementation.
• Must be able to walk, run and hike, swim and join in other physical activities with individuals.
• Must demonstrate maturity and ability to deal effectively with emotionally demanding and stressful situations.
• Must be able to observe behavior, interactions between individuals and relate observations to the appropriate person.
• Must be able to understand and carry out both written and verbal directions and instructions in a timely manner.
• Must be able to meet deadlines and complete work in an environment that may at times be noisy and chaotic.
• Must continue to achieve satisfactory competency and performance evaluation annually.

Procedure:

Date:

Approved by

Board of Directors:

01/2026

Distributed:

01/2026

Position Type:

Full-time

Salary:

$30 to $35 Per Hour