Deliver targeted occupational therapy interventions for K-12 students with special needs in alignment with their Individualized Education Plans. Collaborate with educators and families to integrate therapeutic goals into classroom activities and maintain precise documentation of student progress.
Requirements summary
Requires an Associate's degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program and a COTA credential. Preference is given to candidates with a Bachelor's degree and experience in special education or behavioral health settings.
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs [https://careers.chancelight.com/spectrum-center-schools-and-programs/], 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, you will play a critical role in empowering students in Grades K-12 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.
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Paid Holiday Schedule
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Health Advocacy Services
Legal Services Insurance
Pet Health Insurance
Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
Annual Education Stipend
Opportunities for Growth & Development
24/7 Nurse Line
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
Personal Protection Insurance Plans
Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
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.
Bachelors degree or higher in a closely related field of study preferred.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in providing occupational therapy support services, preferably in an alternative special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's) preferred.
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.
Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff members, students, parents and the public.
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.
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs [https://chancelight.com/locations/brands/spectrum/] is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education [https://chancelight.com/], the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 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! Your 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
Annual Education Stipend - $2,000
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!
California employers often look for Occupational Therapy Assistants in schools, outpatient clinics, and rehab settings, with demand shaped by caseloads and support needs across pediatric and behavioral health services. These roles can be competitive because many postings prefer candidates with a COTA credential, an ACOTE-accredited associate degree, and added experience in special education or behavioral health. Before applying, compare the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here with the original description so you can quickly confirm fit and save research time.
