Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

The School District of La Crosse is accepting applications for a 1.0 FTE Certified Occupational Therapy Assitant (COTA) shared at Emerson Elementary School (0.75 FTE) and Spence Elementary School (0.25 FTE) beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Projected start date: August 17, 2026

Wisconsin certification O052 Occupational Therapy Assistant license required.

This is a benefits-eligible position.

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVES:

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is responsible for assisting children with developing motor skills and increasing strength. Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants assist in the delivery of services to students with special needs who have been determined to need occupational therapy as a service related to their special education needs. School-based occupational therapy is designed to enhance the student''s ability to fully access and be successful in learning.

POSITION CHARACTERISTICS:

Recruited by: Director of Student Services/Director of Human Resources

Salary: $29.92 per hour

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: District Special Education Coordinator

Coordinates with: Occupational Therapists, general education and special education staff, parents/guardians, students

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Required experience and training:

• Certified and/or eligible for Wisconsin DPI license #O052 - Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• All COTAs who practice in Wisconsin, regardless of the type of setting, must be licensed by the Department of Regulation and Licensing, Occupational Therapy Affiliated Credentialing Board, and practice in accordance with these rules.
• A combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed below.

Required knowledge of:

• Occupational therapy principles;
• Various equipment and programs related to occupational therapy;
• Child development;
• Teaching and principles;
• Collaboration and Counseling principles.

Required skill in:

• Using various strategies and equipment in providing occupational therapy;
• Counseling parents and teachers about the issues related to child development;
• Operating a computer and applicable software;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Qualified applicants should possess the following:

• Certified and/or eligible for Wisconsin DPI license #O052.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to present information in a group setting.
• Accountability to commitments, meetings, and therapy schedules.
• Flexibility regarding caseload distribution and travel and is willing to work to meet the needs of the district.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm to school based therapy practice and commitment to service philosophy.
• Ability to apply in-depth knowledge about current technology.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with other staff, other agencies, and the public.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

1. In conjunction with supervising OT, provides direct therapy services to students with disabilities.

2. Collect information regarding a child's performance using various methods from multiple settings and sources

3. Assist in determining a child's current functional abilities in performance areas (activities of daily living, work/productive activities and play/leisure activities) as compared to the expected performance.

4. Provides consultation and information to staff and parents.

5. Assist in planning for and delivering OT services according to the frequency and duration listed on the IEP.

6. Provide intervention that enhances the child's functional abilities.

7. Assist in developing an OT intervention plan.

8. Make recommendations for altering intervention plans as indicated by a child's performance.

9. Assist in developing goals related to academic and nonacademic performance and recommend OT service delivery when educationally necessary (IEP).

10. With other members of the team, write objectives that reflect the student's needs in the Educational setting (IEP).

11. In conjunction with supervising OT, plans treatment program, support OT relevant IEP goals, gives input as to supporting objectives.

12. Implements treatment plan under advisement of supervising OT

13. Collaborates with staff regarding student progress and needs.

14. Maintains daily therapy notes, treatment plans, enrollments, and progress notes.

15. Communicates with OT/PT staff, school staff, and parents.

16. Coordinates therapy schedule to ensure adequate coverage of district and students, with minimal impact to academic time.

17. Travels between schools on a regular basis.

Applicants are requested not to contact or send application materials to individual building principals. To be given full consideration, please closely follow the application instructions in WECAN and upload the required additional application materials to your WECAN account, including two letters of recommendation.

The School District of La Crosse is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of actual or perceived: age, sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, socio-economic status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, gender nonconformity, physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, citizenship, military service, membership in the National Guard, state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of Wisconsin or the United States, political affiliation, or any other factor prohibited by state and federal law.

The School District of La Crosse values equity and diversity in our student population as well as staff members. Applications from diverse segments of the population are encouraged and welcomed.

We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or government, or against any individual(s) who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint. Candidates seeking accommodations during an interview are encouraged to indicate such at the time they are contacted to interview.