Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) → 2,000 Annual Education Stipend - Fairfield - Spectrum Center Schools and Programs

Description

Starting Rate:  $45 - $50 /hour based on experience PLUS $2,000 Annual Education Stipend

Environment:  Special Education Program, Grades K-12

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction

If you excel in a collaborative, student-centered environment, seek a career that truly impacts the lives of children with special needs, and bring creativity, compassion, a positive attitude, and outstanding dedication — We Should Talk

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you will play a critical role in empowering students in Grades K-12 with special needs to achieve educational success by delivering impactful occupational therapy services under the guidance of a licensed Occupational Therapist, consistently upholding excellence across multiple school locations and collaborative educational teams.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Providing targeted occupational therapy interventions aligned with students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), diligently following designated service hours and established schedules.
• Assisting the Occupational Therapist during evaluations by collecting pertinent data, administering standardized assessments, and observing students to accurately determine their functional capabilities and developmental needs.
• Maintaining precise, organized, and timely documentation of student progress, including daily session notes, periodic progress reports, and additional required records, complying fully with district and program protocols.
• Collaborating closely with educators and support staff to seamlessly integrate therapeutic goals into classroom activities, offering strategies and accommodations to optimize student achievement.
• Modifying classroom environments, resources, and instructional materials, under Occupational Therapist supervision, to enhance student engagement and access to the curriculum.
• Assisting with training and educating school staff and families on the effective use of adaptive equipment and practical techniques to boost students' functional independence.
• Ensuring therapy tools, equipment, and supplies are maintained in excellent condition, promptly reporting any issues or replacement needs to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Attending and actively participating in IEP meetings, collaborative team discussions, and professional development activities, providing valuable input to enhance student planning and support.
• Upholding professional and ethical standards consistently in interactions with students, families, and team members, emphasizing confidentiality and cultural respect.
• Traveling regularly and maintaining a consistent onsite presence to effectively support multiple Spectrum School locations within your designated region.
• Performing additional tasks as assigned to advance the mission and effectiveness of Spectrum Center Schools and Programs.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Associate's degree or higher in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
• Bachelors degree or higher in a closely related field of study preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) credential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in providing occupational therapy support services, preferably in an educational or classroom setting. 
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with severe learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's) preferred.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff members, students, parents and the public.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, the nation's leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults.  For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives

Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment  Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education 

‖ Perks and Benefits Include: 

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Annual Education Stipend - $2,000
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance 
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off 
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance 

Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential 

Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.

^{Copyright 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight company  *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.} 

Education

Required

• Associates or better in Occupational Therapy or related field

Preferred

• Bachelors or better in Related Field of Study

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• OT Assistant - COTA
• Crisis Prevention Inst

Skills

Required

• Occupational Therapy
• Scheduling/Time Management
• Record Keeping & Reporting
• Crisis Intervention
• Developmental Disabilities
• Behavioral Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Autism
• Student Development
• Performance Motivation
• Student Coaching/Mentorship
• Personalized Instruction
• Academic Support
• Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Interdepartmental Collaboration
• Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills

Preferred

• Special Education
• Elementary Education
• Middle School Education
• High School Education
• Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

Behaviors

Preferred

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

Preferred

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.