School-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Build a Career That Makes a Difference

Looking for a school-based therapy position where you feel supported, valued, and part of a collaborative team? Whether you’re an experienced Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant or just beginning your career, Mariposa Therapy Services offers meaningful work, mentorship, and opportunities for long-term professional growth.

As a therapist-led, multidisciplinary organization, we partner with public and charter schools throughout the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area to provide evidence-based occupational therapy services that help students participate, learn, and thrive.

At Mariposa, school-based therapy is about more than compliance—it’s about empowering students through creative, strengths-based intervention while building lasting relationships with educators, families, and school communities.

Current School Opportunities

Current hiring is focused on school-based opportunities in Central Phoenix and Tolleson. Additional opportunities may become available throughout the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area based on school needs and therapist preference.

Compensation & Benefits

The compensation examples below reflect full-time 2026–2027 school opportunities.

• COTA: Competitive compensation based on education, experience, assignment, and district placement.
• Full-time and part-time opportunities available.
• W-2 employment with benefits eligibility, paid sick time, 401(k), CEUs, and therapist support.

Compensation may vary based on school district, geographic assignment, experience, and role responsibilities.

Why Therapists Choose Mariposa

• Therapist-led leadership that understands school caseloads, documentation, and collaboration with educational teams
• Consistent, supportive OT supervision because COTAs deserve more than the minimum required oversight. We believe in supporting therapists in the field with accessible guidance, collaboration, and feedback
• Long-standing school partnerships with established district relationships throughout the Phoenix metro area
• Clinical autonomy supported by experienced leaders and collaborative school teams
• Multidisciplinary collaboration alongside SLPs, PTs, educators, and special education teams
• Technology that supports clinicians, including AI-assisted documentation tools and workflow innovations that reduce administrative burden
• Dedicated administrative support for scheduling, compliance, and onboarding
• Opportunities for both full-time and part-time schedules designed to support work-life balance

Growing Your Career at Mariposa

• Structured Onboarding: Mentorship and leadership support designed to set you up for success from day one
• Professional Growth: Paid CEUs, ongoing development opportunities, and specialty learning pathways
• Therapist-Led Culture: Work alongside experienced clinicians who value collaboration, creativity, and meaningful student outcomes

Benefits (W-2 Employment)

• Employer-paid medical insurance (eligibility applies)
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• 401(k) Safe Harbor 3% employer contribution (eligibility applies)
• Professional development funding
• Unlimited web-based CEU platform
• Therapy supplies and standardized assessment materials provided
• Dedicated administrative support
• Company-sponsored events and community engagement opportunities

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based occupational therapy services that support student participation and educational access.
• Utilize creative, engaging, and strengths-based intervention strategies to support students with diverse developmental needs, including autistic and neurodiverse learners.
• Work in partnership with the supervising OT to support caseload management, track student data, prepare materials, contribute to IEP and MET documentation, and participate in team meetings within the COTA’s scope of practice.
• Collaborate with teachers, families, and school teams to develop practical strategies that promote participation and independence throughout the school day.
• Partner with multidisciplinary team members to provide coordinated, student-centered services.
• Complete timely documentation, progress reports, and IEP-related documentation using technology designed to support clinician efficiency.
• Establish positive, collaborative relationships with students, families, educators, and colleagues.
• Comply with district policies and applicable state and federal regulations governing school-based therapy services.
• COTAs provide services under appropriate supervision in accordance with Arizona licensure requirements, Arizona Department of Health Services regulations, and professional board standards.
• Opportunities are available for student mentorship and clinical education, as appropriate to discipline, licensure, and experience.

Qualifications

Occupational Therapist (OT)

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy
• Arizona OT license (or ability to obtain)
• Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• New graduates encouraged to apply

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Arizona COTA license (or ability to obtain)
• Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• New graduates encouraged to apply