Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA (School-based)

Nova Day is hiring at its new campus in Chantilly, a suburb of Fairfax County, Virginia. We are a State Approved Private Special Needs School for children with Autism and related neurological differences, and we are looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated, and compassionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our collaborative team. This is an excellent opportunity for a COTA who is passionate about helping students build independence, develop functional skills, and participate meaningfully in their school environment. The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, values teamwork, and is committed to providing individualized, student-centered care. Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), the COTA will provide high-quality occupational therapy services using evidence-based practices and developmentally appropriate interventions. We offer an unparalleled work environment, competitive compensation, supportive management, and a collaborative team approach.

Responsibilities include:

Implement occupational therapy treatment plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist (OT) Provide engaging, child-centered therapy sessions that support students' functional skills, independence, and participation Provide occupational therapy services to students with Autism and related neurological differences in a school-based setting Assist with individualized interventions targeting fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, self-care skills, motor planning, and classroom participation Collaborate with the supervising OT, teachers, administrators, and multidisciplinary team members to support student success Communicate professionally with families and school staff regarding student progress and home carryover strategies Maintain accurate and timely documentation of therapy sessions and student progress Collect data and provide updates regarding student performance and progress toward occupational therapy goals Support classroom teams by providing recommendations, adaptations, and strategies to promote student independence Maintain a positive, organized, and supportive therapy environment Participate in team meetings and collaborate with educational and clinical professionals to support student outcomes

Experience and Skill:

Experience working with children with Autism and related developmental or neurological differences preferred Pediatric occupational therapy experience preferred Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team Passion for helping children and supporting families Knowledge of sensory processing, fine motor development, visual motor skills, and functional school-based activities preferred Commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based, and individualized care

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$68,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

License/Certification:

COTA certification (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Chantilly, VA 20151 (Required)

Work Location:

In person