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School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

WCPSS

Occupational Therapist

Cary, NC · On-site

$41 - $54/hr

Considerable knowledge of school-based occupational therapy practices; * Considerable knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA) policy and procedure and section 504 policy ...

WCPSS

Occupational Therapist

Cary, NC · On-site

$41 - $54/hr

Considerable knowledge of school-based occupational therapy practices; * Considerable knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA) policy and procedure and section 504 policy ...

WCPSS

Occupational Therapist

Cary, NC · On-site

$41 - $54/hr

Considerable knowledge of school-based occupational therapy practices; * Considerable knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA) policy and procedure and section 504 policy ...

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School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant information

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$16

$31

$45

How much do school based occupational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for school based occupational therapy assistant in Raleigh, NC is $31.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.63 and $35.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school based occupational therapy assistant?

A School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist to help students develop or improve the skills needed for daily living and academic success within a school setting. They assist students with activities related to fine motor skills, self-care, sensory processing, and classroom participation. COTAs collaborate with teachers and other school staff to create and implement strategies that support students' learning and independence. Their goal is to help students overcome barriers so they can fully participate in school activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school based occupational therapy assistant?

To thrive as a School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant, you need an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and state licensure, along with a strong understanding of pediatric development and interventions. Familiarity with assistive technology, documentation software, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) systems is often required. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills are essential for working with children, educators, and therapists. These skills ensure effective support for students’ functional independence and successful collaboration within school settings.

How does a school based occupational therapy assistant typically collaborate with teachers and other educational staff?

School Based Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) work closely with teachers, special education staff, and school therapists to support students’ functional participation in academic and social activities. They often attend team meetings, share observations, and help integrate occupational therapy strategies into classroom routines. Collaboration may involve co-developing accommodations, modifying classroom materials, and providing staff with training or resources to ensure consistency in supporting students' needs. This teamwork is essential for promoting student success and maintaining effective, individualized interventions.

What is the difference between School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Occupational Therapy Assistant?

AspectSchool Based Occupational Therapy AssistantOccupational Therapy Assistant
CredentialsCPR certification, state-specific OTA license, possibly additional school district trainingCPR certification, state-specific OTA license
Work EnvironmentSchools, classrooms, therapy roomsHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsHealthcare facilities, outpatient clinics
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant and an Occupational Therapy Assistant lies in their work environment and specific training. School Based OTAs work primarily in educational settings supporting students, while OTAs in healthcare settings assist patients in hospitals or clinics. Both roles require similar certifications, but the work context varies significantly.

Do schools hire school based occupational therapy assistants?

Yes, many schools hire school-based occupational therapy assistants to support students with disabilities. These assistants work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists and often require relevant certifications or training. They typically assist with therapy sessions, classroom activities, and student assessments within the school environment.

What are popular job titles related to School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:

School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,645 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Occupational Therapist

Wake County Public School System

Cary, NC • On-site

$41 - $54/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Wake County Public School System rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 640 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Overview
POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
WORKING TITLE
Occupational Therapist
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
Special Education Services (SES)
LOCATION
Crossroads II, Cary, NC
PAY GRADE
Occupational/Physical Therapy Salary Schedule
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
No
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends)
POSITION PURPOSE:
Provides occupational therapy services in support of the federal civil rights law under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section 504 (provides protection against discrimination for individuals with disabilities and general education students as part of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process). Ensures provided services align with the mission, vision, and core beliefs of Wake County School System (WCPSS).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
  • Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles and methods of occupational therapy;
  • Considerable knowledge of school-based occupational therapy practices;
  • Considerable knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) policy and procedure and section 504 policy and procedure;
  • Considerable knowledge of Common Core State Standards, Extended Common Core State Standards, and the WCPSS curriculum implementation regarding policies governing services for students with disabilities;
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point; Google Apps;
  • Ability to adapt or design equipment for individual needs;
  • Ability to select and administer appropriate assessment and treatment activities;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
  • Ability to guide the learning process toward achievement of established Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals;
  • Ability to motivate students;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and build consensus with school administrators, teachers, support staff, central services staff, occupational therapists, and parents.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
  • Successfully completed an accredited (by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education ((ACOTE)) Occupational Therapy educational curriculum and the required supervised fieldwork as determined by the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Board;
  • Three years of experience as an occupational therapist, preferably, in a public-school system is preferred; newly licensed graduates will be considered.

*Only postbaccalaureate Occupational Therapy degree programs will be eligible to receive or maintain ACOTE
accreditation status as of January 1, 2007*
**Postbaccalaureate: being, involving, or pursuing studies following the award of a baccalaureate degree**
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Initial certification by NBCOT;
  • Current license by North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy (NCBOT);
  • Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license with a good driving record according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited occupational therapy program;
  • Experience in pediatric occupational therapy services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Screens and evaluates children to determine needs for occupational therapy.
  2. Identifies occupational therapy goals for the child's individualized family service plan or the IEP.
  3. Provides occupational therapy interventions that enable children with disabilities to benefit from special education and to participate in the natural/general education environment.
  4. Collaborates with team members on reinforcement of strategies and use of assistive devices for accessing the curriculum and activities of daily living.
  5. Maintains communication with parents to discuss progress on goals and provide activities for home to reinforce skills.
  6. Completes required documentation including evaluations, progress notes, individualized family service plans, IEPs, service logs, and quarterly progress reports in a timely manner.
  7. Participates in staff meetings and professional development activities.
  8. Participates in individualized family service plan and IEP meetings, team meetings, and parent conferences.
  9. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position operates in a professional office and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 25 pounds of frequently, and/or 20 pounds of constantly. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment.
EFFECTIVE DATE:10/2023
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.

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About Wake County Public Schools

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Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

Industry

Education

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1976

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