District-Wide COTA

Salary: $23.26 per hour

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

About Us

The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) is committed to providing a high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment where students, staff, and families thrive. As one of the largest school districts in Missouri, FHSD values collaboration, innovation, and excellence while preparing students for success in school and beyond.

Job Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides occupational therapy services to students under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. This position supports students in achieving educational and functional goals by implementing therapy plans, assisting with assessments, adapting equipment, and collaborating with educational teams to promote student independence and success.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide direct occupational therapy services to students in accordance with Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and established therapy plans.
• Assist with evaluating students' fine motor, sensory, and developmental skills to identify areas of need and support service recommendations.
• Implement therapeutic activities designed to improve student performance and independence.
• Adapt and maintain equipment and materials to support student access and participation.
• Collaborate with occupational therapists, teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and families regarding student progress and therapeutic strategies.
• Provide training and support to staff and families regarding assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and therapeutic techniques.
• Attend and participate in IEP meetings, team meetings, professional development, and other required meetings.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including progress notes, activity logs, reports, billing records, and other required records.
• Conduct site visits, including visits to multiple district locations and home settings when required.
• Troubleshoot and support the use of assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
• Research intervention strategies, assessment tools, and community resources to support student goals.
• Report incidents, concerns, and observations in accordance with district policies and legal requirements.
• Transport materials and equipment necessary for therapy services.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

Qualifications

Required

• Current Missouri license/certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Experience working in a related field.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable state and federal regulations.

Preferred

• Experience working with school-aged children.
• Experience in a public school or special education setting.
• Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Occupational therapy principles, practices, and treatment techniques.
• Student behavior management strategies.
• Adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
• Special education processes and IEP implementation.
• Applicable state and federal regulations.

Skills

• Administering therapeutic activities and interventions.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Operating occupational therapy equipment and assistive devices.
• Utilizing technology and software applications relevant to the position.
• Following established safety procedures and practices.

Abilities

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Communicate effectively with diverse groups.
• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Analyze situations and implement appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Benefits

FHSD offers a comprehensive employer-paid benefits package, including:
 

• Medical and dental plan options
• Vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• District-paid basic life insurance ($75,000)
• District-paid Short-Term Disability
• Paid holidays

Family coverage, long-term disability, and additional life insurance options are available at the employee's expense.
  

Work Environment

The position requires travel between district locations and may include home visits. Work is performed in school settings and may involve exposure to students with significant physical, behavioral, or medical needs. The position may require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and significant fine motor dexterity.

Physical demands generally include approximately:

• 10% sitting
• 45% walking
• 45% standing

The position may involve exposure to risks associated with student care and therapeutic services.

We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to the Francis Howell School District team!