Job ID: 1777
Position Type: Student Support Services/ Special Education
Date Posted: 5/14/2026
Location: Exeter High School
Date Available: 08/25/2026
Job Overview
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Position Purpose: To assist in providing appropriate aspects of occupational therapy to students in the school setting while under the supervision of licensed therapists.
Key Responsibilities
* Implements and executes services as determined through the IEP process.
* Communicates with families and other members of the team.
* Provides documentation as needed by the OTR.
* Develops and enhances professional skills.
* Supports and participates in department operations and development.
* Reports any changes in student needs to the supervising therapist on a timely basis.
Performance Responsibilities
* Assists with establishing, implementing and collecting data on therapy goals and objectives.
* Provides and develops individual and group therapy activities to assist with meeting the student’s goals and objectives.
* Adapts school and classroom environment, tools and materials under the supervision of the occupational therapist to improve student functioning and facilitate access to curricular and instructional activities.
* Participates in screening and assessment using standardized measures, formal and informal tests as designated by supervising occupational therapist(s).
* Attends meetings and workshops (e.g., IEPs, training, team meetings) to convey and/or receive information, including best practices for school OT delivery at the request of the supervising OT.
* Consults with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, teachers, instructional assistants, families, etc. to provide requested information, review/revise students’ occupational therapy goals/objectives, develop plans for services and/or make recommendations to implement goals.
* Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons (e.g., positioning, adjusting special equipment) to provide appropriate care and support the student’s IEP plan in the classroom.
* Maintains files and records in cooperation with the occupational therapist (e.g., progress reports, data logs) to document activities and ensure an up‑to‑date trail for compliance with regulations.
* Maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and properly working condition to implement motor/therapy goals.
* Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals to ensure compliance with established practices and procedures.
* Provides services at multiple work sites/schools as required.
* Researches resources and methods (e.g., intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools, community resources) to determine the appropriate approach for addressing students’ functional goals.
* Responsible for transporting a variety of items (e.g., puzzles, games, assistive devices, assessment tools) to provide materials required for therapy sessions.
* Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g., computer technology) to ensure equipment is in proper working order or to provide alternative strategies.
* Provides personal transportation with mileage reimbursed.
* Maintains confidentiality regarding student information.
Qualifications
* Initial certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
* Licensed by the New Hampshire Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
* Associate degree in Occupational Therapy from an approved and accredited program.
* Minimum of one year experience with a background in pediatrics, school system, assistive technology or sensory integration is desirable.
Other Considerations
* This position requires lifting and physical handling of students of all ages with multiple disabilities. Additional precautions are needed regarding bodily fluids as the COTA may be involved with feeding, oral motor programming, and toileting.
* Working conditions vary from a well‐equipped therapy room to a hallway, storeroom or other noisy crowded areas due to space constraints.
* Knowledge of basic computer skills is necessary.
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