The COTA implements orthopedic and functional mobility interventions to help students with disabilities safely access school environments. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to monitor progress, document data, and provide staff training on adaptive equipment.
Job Title: Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant (COTA-Orthopedic Focus)
State-Wide - MUST BE A COLORADO RESIDENT
(Grand Junction servicing Montrose Classical Academy in Montrose)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Exceptional Student Services
Part-time, Temporary. Full-Time or Part-Time based on student enrollment and special education service needs. Caseload expectations will be aligned with FTE assignment in accordance with state and federal special education guidelines.
$34.34-$48.08/per hour. Compensation will be prorated based on FTE assignment.
Benefit eligibility is based on FTE status. Employees working 30 hours or greater per week are eligible for full benefits including health, dental, vision, 401k and paid leave. Employees working less than 30 hours per week will get paid sick leave.
We are a small non-profit organization based in Colorado, passionate about helping charter schools succeed. Our primary goal is to assist schools in optimizing their business, human resources and financial functions. We strongly believe that working collaboratively with schools and supporting their essential back-office functions can help them focus on their core mission of educating students. We understand that schools face many challenges, and our team is committed to helping them overcome these challenges by providing tailored solutions.
As an employee of Minga Education Group, you will be part of a small, passionate and dedicated team committed to making a positive impact on the education sector. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of schools and make a meaningful contribution to their success. We are committed to providing a supportive and collaborative work environment that fosters growth and professional development.
Certified orthopedic therapist assistant (Cota – orthopedic focus)
The Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant supports the delivery of inclusive, data‑driven mobility and access services by partnering with school leaders, Physical Therapists, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and families to implement high‑quality, compliant orthopedic and functional movement interventions for qualifying students.
This role strengthens MTSS/RTI frameworks, trauma‑informed practices, and SEL‑aligned participation supports by promoting safe, culturally responsive access to school environments.
The COTA provides therapeutic intervention, consultation, and progress monitoring to address the orthopedic, motor, and functional needs of students with disabilities.
Through collaborative teaming, targeted staff training, and inclusion‑focused problem‑solving, the COTA builds capacity in schools to improve mobility, safety, and engagement for students across settings, including those served through 504, Gifted, and Multi‑Lingual Learner supports.
The COTA is a key contributor to multidisciplinary evaluation and IEP teams, with some remote consultation and documentation.
Candidates must have an Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant studies and a current Colorado COTA license. Experience with pediatric or school-based populations is preferred.
Market context
In Colorado, orthopedic-focused COTA roles are typically driven by steady rehab and therapy demand across outpatient, pediatric, and school-based settings. These positions can be competitive because employers often want an active Colorado COTA license, an associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant studies, and experience with pediatric or school-based populations. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to any orthopedic and pediatric experience you can document.