Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

About The Helix School

The Helix School serves students, ages 5 to 22, living throughout the Bay Area who have mild to moderate autism. The school’s model and mission are based on providing an education that both nurtures and develops students’ capabilities through an evidence-based, integrated curriculum tailored to support a child’s developmental level, sensory processing differences, and emotional regulatory needs. The talented staff consists of educators, occupational, speech and behavioral therapists, and mental health professionals.

Our priorities are to respect, appreciate, and encourage each child’s strengths, while providing an environment through which autistic individuals may achieve their highest potential—especially in the areas of developing a strong sense of self, cultivating a sense of community and connection, and building independence, adaptability, and resiliency. For more information, please visit: www.thehelixschool.org

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to making a profound impact on the lives of autistic children in the Bay Area? At The Helix School, we're on a mission to transform young lives while advancing the state of the art in neurodiversity whole child development. Our method is the difference. We create a fabric of services that tightly integrates therapy and academics. If this sounds like something you are ready to be a part of, read on.

Position Overview

As a Helix Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you will work with students who require occupational therapy services. The COTA will work as an integral member of our interdisciplinary team, providing direct therapy services to students and collaborating with teachers and specialists to support student success. The COTA will deliver services as outlined in students’ IEPs, contribute to team meetings, and provide consultation to staff and families. This full-time position reports to the Clinical Director. Participation in Extended School Year (June-July) is required.

The on-staff Occupational Therapist(s) will provide on-site supervision and observation. Supervision may include observation, modeling, co-treatment, discussions, and teaching and instruction.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A person who meets the requirements for certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).


• Certification is maintained by the AOTA.


• Currently certified in the state of California.


• Experience with the Autistic population highly preferred.


• Experience in the school setting preferred.


• Experience with sensory processing preferred.

BENEFITS:

• 401(k)


• Employee assistance program


• Health insurance


• Paid time off

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understands and adheres to established Agency policies and procedures


• Meets regularly with OT(s) for review and implementation of OT plan of care and implementation


• Performs services planned, delegated, and supervised by the OT(s)


• Consults with OT(s) regarding change in treatment


• Maintains clear and timely documentation, including daily session notes and quarterly progress reports


• Provides consultation and collaboration with teachers, aides, specialists, and parents


• Supports classroom teams with implementation of motor, sensory, and executive function supports and strategies


• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and student planning


• Contributes to staff training and parent education as needed


• Participates in in-service education and presents in-service programs as assigned


• Participates in performance improvement activities as assigned


• Attends all IEP meetings, team meetings, and/or parent meetings as scheduled


• Supervises Level I occupational therapy fieldwork students a minimum of once per year as needed.

Note: The COTA is NOT able to conduct evaluations, interpret data, alter IEP plans, or perform any task without the express knowledge and approval of the supervising OT.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Up to $85,000, commensurate with experience

• 32 paid holidays during the academic year (mid-August to mid-July)


• Mid-July to mid-August fully paid time off


• 5 paid sick days


• Health, dental, and vision insurance (currently 50% employer-paid, with a goal of 100% employer-paid in the 2025–26 school year)


• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match


• Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


• Support for continuing education and credential maintenance

The Helix School is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.