Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Portage Public Schools District
2025-26 School Year
Job Summary: Under the general supervision of an Occupational Therapist, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will work collaboratively to support students with diverse needs in achieving their educational goals and maximizing their independence within the school environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Implement occupational therapy interventions as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist to help students participate fully in their educational environment
- Assist students in developing fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, visual-perceptual skills, and self-care abilities
- Adapt classroom equipment and materials to meet individual student needs
- Collaborate with teachers and special educators to integrate therapy strategies into classroom routines
- Document student progress and maintain accurate therapy and billing records
- Prepare and organize therapeutic materials and equipment for sessions
- Travel between multiple schools within the Southern Service Area as needed
- Support inclusive education practices across general and special education settings
- Regular and consistent attendance
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Schools Employee Handbook.
The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.
Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree from accredited OTA program.
- Current COTA Certification/Licensure in Michigan
- Experience working with children preferred
- Knowledge of special education laws and regulations (IDEA, Section 504)
- Understanding of educational environments and school-based therapy
- Excellent communication skills with students, staff, and parents
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to assume responsibility, display initiative, and exercise good judgment.
- Proficient computer and document skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps
Who is PPS? View our Strategic Commitments
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Tuyls. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002
