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School Occupational Therapist Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ESS Clinical

School Occupational Therapist

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$52/hr

Local Contract ESS Clinical is seeking a compassionate and motivated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our team serving Carlsbad Municipal Schools in Carlsbad, New Mexico . Pay ...

GLC On-The-Go

School Occupational Therapist

Clearfield, PA · On-site

$1.8K - $1.9K/day

Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant - Rehabilitation | Clearfield, PA | Contract Quick Look * Weekly Gross Pay: $1,862 - $1,960 * Shift: Day 5x8-Hour (07:30 - 15:30) * Start Date: 11/16 ...

New

Medlivo Therapy

School Occupational Therapist

Juneau, AK · On-site

$2.7K/wk

Medlivo Therapy is seeking a School Services School Occupational Therapist for a travel job in Juneau, Alaska. & Requirements * Specialty: Occupational Therapist * Discipline: School Services * Start ...

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School Occupational Therapist Assistant information

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$46

How much do school occupational therapist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for school occupational therapist assistant in the United States is $32.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a school occupational therapist assistant do?

A School Occupational Therapist Assistant helps students develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily school activities. They work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist to implement therapy plans, assist students with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges, and support their participation in classroom tasks. Their duties may include helping students improve fine motor skills, adapt classroom materials, and practice self-care routines, all to promote greater independence and academic success.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a school occupational therapist assistant?

To thrive as a School Occupational Therapist Assistant, you need knowledge of occupational therapy principles, experience working with children, and an associate degree from an accredited OTA program along with state certification or licensure. Familiarity with therapy assessment tools, educational software, and documentation systems is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills help you support students' needs and collaborate effectively with therapists and educators. These competencies ensure effective intervention for student development and contribute to a supportive learning environment.

How does a school occupational therapist assistant collaborate with teachers and other school staff to support students?

School Occupational Therapist Assistants work closely with teachers, special educators, speech therapists, and other school staff to ensure students receive holistic support. This collaboration often involves attending team meetings, sharing observations, and developing strategies to help students succeed in the classroom. Assistants may demonstrate adaptive techniques or recommend classroom modifications directly to teachers, and provide feedback on student progress. This teamwork ensures that interventions are consistent throughout the student’s school day and tailored to each child’s needs.

What is the difference between School Occupational Therapist Assistant vs School Occupational Therapist?

AspectSchool Occupational Therapist AssistantSchool Occupational Therapist
CredentialsAssociate's degree, certification as OTABachelor's or master's degree, state licensure
Work EnvironmentAssist in schools, support OT servicesLead OT evaluations and treatment plans
ResponsibilitiesImplement therapy plans, assist studentsAssess students, develop treatment strategies

The School Occupational Therapist Assistant works under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, focusing on implementing therapy plans and supporting students' needs. The School Occupational Therapist has a broader role, including assessments, developing treatment plans, and overseeing therapy services. Both roles are essential in school settings but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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What are the most commonly searched types of School Occupational Therapist jobs?

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States with the most job openings for School Occupational Therapist Assistant jobs include:

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School Occupational Therapist Assistant jobs near you

School Occupational Therapist

ESS Clinical

Carlsbad, NM • On-site

$52/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

ESS Clinical is seeking a local contract School Occupational Therapist for a local contract job in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Occupational Therapist
  • Discipline: Therapy
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 36 weeks
  • Employment Type: Local Contract

ESS Clinical is seeking a compassionate and motivated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our team serving Carlsbad Municipal Schools in Carlsbad, New Mexico. 
Pay $46/hr W2 or $52/hr 1099

Position Responsibilities
  • Provide occupational therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
  • Implement treatment plans and interventions established by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
  • Assist students in developing fine motor, sensory, visual-motor, self-help, and daily living skills.
  • Document student progress and maintain accurate service records.
  • Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, teachers, administrators, and families to support student success.
  • Assist with adaptive equipment recommendations and classroom accommodations.
  • Participate in IEP meetings as requested.
  • Maintain compliance with federal, state, district, and ESS Clinical policies and procedures.
Qualifications
  • Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
  • Previous pediatric or school-based experience preferred but not required.
  • Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with students of varying ages and abilities.
Required Licensure & Certifications

Applicants must possess or be eligible to obtain:

  • Current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
  • Active New Mexico Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant license issued by the New Mexico Occupational Therapy Licensing Board.
  • Eligibility for employment within Carlsbad Municipal Schools, including successful completion of all required district and state background checks and fingerprinting.
  • Current CPR certification is preferred but not required.
Why Join ESS Clinical?
  • Competitive weekly compensation
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits (eligibility applies)
  • 401(k) options
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Dedicated Clinical and Operations support
  • Collaborative school environments
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives every day

Apply today and join ESS Clinical in supporting students through exceptional occupational therapy services at Carlsbad Municipal Schools!
Privacy Information
When you apply for a position with ESS, we collect personal information such as:

  • Contact details (name, email, phone, address)
  • Application materials (resume, work history, education, references)
  • Information you choose to provide during the hiring process (interviews, assessments, background checks, as permitted by law)
We use this information to:
  • Evaluate your candidacy and qualifications
  • Conduct interviews and background checks
  • Manage our recruitment and hiring processes
  • Comply with applicable legal obligations

 
We do not sell or share applicant personal information. We retain it as long as necessary for recruitment, compliance, and potential future opportunities.
You may have rights under U.S. state privacy laws, including to request access, correction, deletion, or limitation of your personal information.
For details about our practices and your rights, please review our full Privacy Notices below.
 
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#ASICK
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ESS Clinical Job ID #4628. Posted job title: Certified School Occupational Therapist Assistant

About ESS Clinical

Driven by a passion for helping students, ESS Clinical connects certified clinical and special education professionals with K-12 school systems nationwide. Whether you are a speech-language pathologist, occupational or physical therapist, school psychologist, behavioral specialist, or school nurse, we match you with a school-based role that fits your skills and career aspirations. At ESS Clinical, the work you do has the power to change a student’s life. If you are looking for a career with purpose, this is where you belong.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • License and certification reimbursement
  • Life insurance
  • Pet insurance

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