Starting Rate: $45 - $50 /hour based on experience
PLUS
$2,000 Annual Education Stipend! Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12
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.
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
is a division of
ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education , 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:
m/WorkWithPurpose
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!
Careers, With ChanceLight =
Work. With Purpose.
Copyright © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.
EducationRequired
Associates or better in Occupational Therapy or related field
Preferred
Bachelors or better in Related Field of Study
Licenses & CertificationsRequired
Ability to Obtain
OT Assistant - COTA
Crisis Prevention Inst
SkillsRequired
Occupational Therapy
Scheduling/Time Management
Record Keeping & Reporting
Crisis Intervention
Developmental Disabilities
Behavioral Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Autism
Student Development
Performance Motivation
Student Coaching/Mentorship
Personalized Instruction
Academic Support
Decision Making
Attention to Detail
Interdepartmental Collaboration
Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Computer Skills
K-12 Education
Special Education
Preferred
Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
BehaviorsPreferred
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
MotivationsPreferred
Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
