Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) in San Jose, California at The Creekside School
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Job Description
Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/OTA)
The Creekside School ~ San Jose, CAJoin a School Where Your Work Truly Changes Lives 💙
At The Creekside School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to grow, connect, communicate, and thrive. We are a relationship-based, collaborative, and student-centered nonpublic school serving students with autism and developmental differences. Our team is passionate about creating meaningful progress for every child while fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace for staff.
We are seeking a compassionate, energetic, and skilled Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/OTA) to join our multidisciplinary team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves working with children, values teamwork, and wants to make a lasting impact in a highly supportive school environment.
Position Overview
Under the supervision and guidance of the Occupational Therapist, the Occupational Therapy Assistant provides direct occupational therapy services and support to students through individualized educational and therapeutic programming. The OTA helps students build independence, self-regulation, motor development, sensory processing skills, and participation in school and daily living activities.
This position plays an important role in helping students achieve their IEP goals while supporting their social-emotional growth, confidence, and overall well-being.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide direct occupational therapy services to students under the supervision and guidance of the Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Support students in developing fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, self-regulation, visual-perceptual, and daily living skills
- Implement individualized occupational therapy programs aligned with student IEP goals and related service plans
- Collaborate with teachers, therapists, instructional staff, and families to support student success across environments
- Help students build independence, engagement, confidence, and meaningful participation in school activities
- Utilize developmentally appropriate and research-supported therapeutic approaches, including DIR®/Floortime™ and Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI)
- Support students using least restrictive prompts and strategies that encourage independent skill development
- Maintain accurate therapy notes, service logs, student data, and required documentation within required timelines
- Assist in maintaining clean, organized, safe, and effective therapy spaces, equipment, and materials
- Support implementation of IEPs, behavior plans, and classroom supports with consistency and fidelity
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities
- Provide coaching, modeling, and support to classroom staff implementing occupational therapy strategies
- Support students during community-based instruction and off-campus activities while maintaining student safety
- Build positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with all school policies and California Department of Education regulations
- Contribute positively to a collaborative, student-centered school culture focused on growth, learning, and inclusion
QualificationsRequired Licensure
- Current California Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA/COTA) License
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Child Development, or related field preferred
- Minimum of 2 years experience working with individuals with autism and/or developmental disabilities
- Minimum of 1 year experience working with a pediatric population in occupational therapy preferred
Skills & Qualities We Value
- Compassionate, patient, and enthusiastic about working with children
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Organized, dependable, and detail-oriented
- Experience collecting data and documenting measurable student progress
- Flexible, creative, and solutions-focused approach
- Familiarity with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems
- Ability to support students with sensory, communication, behavioral, and social-emotional needs
- Ability to remain calm and professional in dynamic situations
- Passion for helping students build independence and meaningful life skills
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and educational technology tools
Physical Requirements
This is an active position within a school environment. Staff should be comfortable participating in movement-based activities and supporting students throughout the school day.
Responsibilities may include:
- Sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching
- Supporting students during classroom, playground, therapy, and community activities
- Lifting and moving equipment and materials as needed
- Safely responding during emergency or behavioral support situations
The Creekside School provides Safety-Care training for all staff to support safe, proactive, and compassionate crisis prevention and intervention practices.
Our Commitment
The Creekside School is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented environment for both students and staff. We value collaboration, professionalism, creativity, and the unique strengths every team member brings to our school community.
If you are passionate about helping students grow and want to be part of a caring and dedicated team, we encourage you to apply.