Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant; temporary

Position Type:
School Health Services / Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Date Posted: 10/27/2025

Location:

District Wide

10-month position

The COTA provides unique therapeutic services to enhance the goals and objectives of eligible students. The COTA is primarily responsible for implementing the therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist.

• Promote independence in activities of daily living (including dressing and feeding) through problem solving, suggesting adaptations and observation of the student.
• Observe, problem solve and suggest positioning techniques to enhance educational participation and maximize function.
• Consult and assist classroom staff through gathering and sharing information at team meetings when requested.
• Discuss and exchange information about the students assigned with the occupational therapist.
• Utilize task analysis to suggest techniques to the educational team related to feeding, activities of daily living, pre‑writing, pre‑cutting, and other skills needed for school performance.
• Implement the individualized/small group therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist based on goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues and parents to share information and expertise to plan and implement effective student programs.
• Assist occupational therapist in determining extent to which goals and objectives are being met by collecting and maintaining data on individual student goals.
• Assist occupational therapist in formulating new goals based on data analysis.
• Assume appropriate roles as adult model, behavior manager and educator.
• Adhere to all federal and state statutes and BOE policies.
• Continue professional growth.
• Assume other duties and special projects as assigned.

• Valid CT Licensure as a COTA from Connecticut.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate with students.
• Experience working with students with special needs preferred.
• Ability to physically move about the building.
• Ability to lift and position students (30–80 pounds) if assigned to a classroom with such requirements.
• Ability to make minor decisions with minimal supervision in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to participate in approved behavior management procedures, Crisis Prevention Training and to apply training in crisis situations including student restraints as needed.

• Bilingual:
  English and Spanish.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, preferably in a racially and ethnically diverse community.

New London Public School District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Candidates from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.