2026-2027 SY - Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

TITLE: Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)
CLASSIFICATION: Ancillary
DEPARTMENT: Educational Development Center (SSC)
WORK HOURS: 7.5
CONTRACT LENGTH: 203 Days
Salary: Level I Teacher Salary
$ 63,814 - $ 63,860

Supervisor: Director, Exceptional Programs

General Job Description: To provide occupational therapy services to students in the educational setting, who are receiving individualized educational services through Special Education.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete routine reports and tasks promptly and efficiently
• Participates in student planning and program development
• Implements individual student programs
• Demonstrates a willingness to examine and implement change as appropriate
• Works productively with colleagues, parents, and students
• Demonstrates accurate knowledge of field
• Demonstrates appropriate assessment techniques and procedures
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor as defined by the code of ethics of the education professional

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in student evaluation and recommendations of need for services
• Follow district policies in the processes of screening, referral and placement
• Complete a written report inclusive of evaluation results and possible educational recommendations for each student evaluated
• Assist in development of student goals and objectives to enhance motor skills
• Maintain accurate reports and logs to assure correct and updated student information
• Attend required Annual Review and other MDT meetings for all student on case load
• Provide professional development and ongoing follow-up consultation to teachers, parents and students as necessary to assist student to progress toward IEP goals and objectives
• Respect confidentiality of student(s), teacher(s) and school information
• Participate in Professional development activities as identified or recommended by self or supervisor
• Communicate with the medical community regarding the physical needs of exceptional students
• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies, materials and equipment as needed
• Maintain necessary and appropriate licensure
• Complete Medicaid in the Schools paperwork completely by due date
• Develop therapy plans for delivery of services
• Accept other duties as deemed necessary by supervisor
• Complete Safe Schools training as directed by the District

Qualifications:
Conferred Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance, possession, or ability to obtain an NMPED COTA license within 90 days of hire.
Physical Requirements: Ability to perform the job and access the environment for which you are hired. The following may be required: Sitting, standing, lifting, moving about the room or school, carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, kneeling, prolonged typing, physical ability to type on a keyboard terminal, and moving light furniture.
Equipment/Technology Handled: Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology.
Work Environment: Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignment without direct supervision. After-hour work may be required.
Terms of Employment: Salary and work calendar established yearly by the district.

All GMCS schools are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

GMCS employees: Transfer Request Form needs to be signed by supervisor and uploaded to your application.