Job Description

🟢 Starting Rate: $35 - $40 /hour based on experience

🏫 Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12

, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you excel in a collaborative, student-centered environment, seek a career that truly impacts the lives of children with special needs, and bring creativity, compassion, a positive attitude, and outstanding dedication —  We Should Talk! 📲

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) , you will play a critical role in empowering students with special needs to achieve educational success by delivering impactful occupational therapy services under the guidance of a licensed Occupational Therapist, consistently upholding excellence across multiple school locations and collaborative educational teams.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Providing targeted occupational therapy interventions aligned with students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), diligently following designated service hours and established schedules.
• Assisting the Occupational Therapist during evaluations by collecting pertinent data, administering standardized assessments, and observing students to accurately determine their functional capabilities and developmental needs.
• Maintaining precise, organized, and timely documentation of student progress, including daily session notes, periodic progress reports, and additional required records, complying fully with district and program protocols.
• Collaborating closely with educators and support staff to seamlessly integrate therapeutic goals into classroom activities, offering strategies and accommodations to optimize student achievement.
• Modifying classroom environments, resources, and instructional materials, under Occupational Therapist supervision, to enhance student engagement and access to the curriculum.
• Assisting with training and educating school staff and families on the effective use of adaptive equipment and practical techniques to boost students' functional independence.
• Ensuring therapy tools, equipment, and supplies are maintained in excellent condition, promptly reporting any issues or replacement needs to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Attending and actively participating in IEP meetings, collaborative team discussions, and professional development activities, providing valuable input to enhance student planning and support.
• Upholding professional and ethical standards consistently in interactions with students, families, and team members, emphasizing confidentiality and cultural respect.
• Traveling regularly and maintaining a consistent onsite presence to effectively support multiple Spectrum School locations within your designated region.
• Performing additional tasks as assigned to advance the mission and effectiveness of Spectrum Center Schools and Programs.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Associate's degree or higher in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) credential.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a valid CA state drivers license.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services, particularly for students with severe learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and/or other related disabilities.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
• Prior experience and/or highly proficient in reading, writing, analyzing and interpreting detailed reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff members, students, parents, and the public.
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

 

  is a division of   , the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 45 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives !

💻 Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Y our path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a  Chance   to transform lives through education! 

‖ Perks and Benefits Include:  

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance 
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off 
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your   Chance ! 

Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential! 

Copyright © 2025 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status. 

Education

Required

• Associates or better in Occupational Therapy or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Active or In Process
• OT Assistant - COTA

Skills

Preferred

• Special Education
• Autism
• Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
• Behavioral Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Student Development
• Student Coaching/Mentorship
• Developmental Disabilities
• Occupational Therapy
• Academic Support
• Elementary Education
• Middle School Education
• High School Education
• Record Keeping & Reporting
• Performance Motivation
• Crisis Intervention
• Classroom Management
• Personalized Instruction
• Interdepartmental Collaboration
• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills

Behaviors

Preferred

• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Preferred

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Job Tags

Full time, Work at office, Flexible hours,

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