An Occupational Therapy Assistant assists occupational therapists to help patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. Helps patients to recover and develop skills need for daily activities. Helps patients learn exercises and teaches them to use therapeutic equipment. Works in the office of an occupational therapist or in a healthcare facility.
Primarily Grant County Conditions of work: 185 days per year 8 hours per day Non-exempt position
General Description:
This position is a rare opportunity to join an exciting team. The regional North Central Educational Service District 171 (NCESD 171) is seeking a dynamic team player interested in making an impact in the lives of families and children as the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for families enrolled in the
NCESD ESIT
program primarily in Grant County. The COTA will develop, implement, and document treatment programs directly for children with disabilities within the scope of a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. The ideal candidate must be able to communicate well with the multidisciplinary team (including parents), maintain up-to-date cumulative treatment notes for all children and families, follow all relevant state and federal regulations for Early Intervention, Part C of IDEA, and understand and follow the policies and procedures of the state Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program. The COTA will participate in ongoing professional development, attend essential agency and team meetings, and conferences as necessary.
Qualifications:
Required:
Current Washington State DOH License to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Exemplary interpersonal skills to effectively communicate as a member of a multidisciplinary team with families, ESIT team members, community agencies and health professionals Proven ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing Capacity to implement high-quality treatment aligned with Occupational Therapist recommendations, evaluation report, IfSP outcomes, and professional correspondence Willingness to stay current on special education/Early Intervention issues and Medicaid rules and regulations Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contracted in the course of work Established professionalism including organizational skills and a commitment to follow through on tasks Willingness and ability to travel frequently to and from family home visits within the NCESD region Adhere to the
Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics Preferred:
Knowledge of applicable Washington State and federal rules and regulations 5 years' experience working as a COTA Bilingual in English and Spanish Skills, Knowledge, and/or
Abilities:
Ability to work independently under broad organizational guidelines to achieve objectives Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and schedules, deal with frequent interruptions, and work as part of a team Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated through the ability to build trusting, collaborative relationships Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills Exceptionally high commitment to task completion and flexibility in working days and hours
Job Responsibilities:
Conduct home visit therapy sessions within the scope of a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and in accordance with the State ESIT policies and procedures Provide parent coaching activities in the home environment within the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program. Design and carry out programs targeting areas of fine and gross motor disability which may include, but will not be limited to, independent living skills, sensory processing, perceptual motor skills, strength, range of motion, and coordination. Participate as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team within the scope of a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant targeting important activities, including but not limited to, observations, interventions, screenings, data collection, ongoing progress monitoring, and general data-based decision-making Schedule flexibly to accommodate a changing caseload Communicate effectively and work harmoniously with administration, ESIT team members, parents, and outside agencies Select materials to meet family's therapy needs Observe strict confidentiality regarding family and personnel information
Professional Growth and Responsibilities:
Meets or exceeds performance expectations in the following areas: Lead, Serve, and Support Team Work Problem Solving Communication Adaptability Critical Thinking Time Management Interpersonal Attendance Supports, implements, and abides by the NCESD and partnering agencies' policies, regulations, procedures, and administrative directives; demonstrates loyalty to the NCESD and other administrators Submits records, reports, and assignments promptly and efficiently Deals with obstacles and constraints positively Demonstrates ability to adjust to and use new approaches in the performance of his/her duties Seeks and takes advantage of opportunities for professional growth Maintains dress and appearance appropriate to a professional work setting A new employee is subject to a 180-day probationary period and must be evaluated prior to its end; If work is found to be unsatisfactory, the employee is subject to termination Other duties as assigned by the
Managing Director of Early Learning, Assistant Superintendent, or Superintendent Physical Demands:
Frequent travel within the ESD 171 region; Some overnight travel may be required. Extended or flexible hours as necessary Sitting for extended periods of time may be required; Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds; Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position
Application Procedure:
The North Central ESD is accepting applications for this position online only. To access our online application, please click the link below. All completed packets must be submitted online and include:
Resume Cover Letter Three Professional Reference Contacts Washington State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release Timeline:
Position opens: August 25, 2026 Position open until filled First screening after 12 pm on September 08, 2026 Position begins: As soon as possible
Note:
Employment contingent upon successful clearance of a Washington State Patrol and FBI fingerprint criminal history background check, and a Sexual Misconduct background check. NCESD is an
Equal Opportunity Employer Pay:
$43,619.00 - $54,451.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Travel reimbursement Vision insurance