Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant (COTA)
14 days ago
Colorado Springs
Job Description Job Title: Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant (COTA) Location: State-Wide - MUST BE A COLORADO RESIDENT FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports to: Director of Exceptional Student Services Work Hours/Days: Part-time, Temporary. Full-Time or Part-Time based on student enrollment and special education service needs. Caseload expectations will be aligned with FTE assignment in accordance with state and federal special education guidelines. Wage: $19.50-21.50/per hour. Compensation will be prorated based on FTE assignment. Benefits: Benefit eligibility is based on FTE status. Employees working 30 hours or greater per week are eligible for full benefits including health, dental, vision, 401k and paid leave. Employees working less than 30 hours per week will get paid sick leave. We are a small non-profit organization based in Colorado, passionate about helping charter schools succeed. Our primary goal is to assist schools in optimizing their business, human resources and financial functions. We strongly believe that working collaboratively with schools and supporting their essential back-office functions can help them focus on their core mission of educating students. We understand that schools face many challenges, and our team is committed to helping them overcome these challenges by providing tailored solutions. As an employee of Minga Education Group, you will be part of a small, passionate and dedicated team committed to making a positive impact on the education sector. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of schools and make a meaningful contribution to their success. We are committed to providing a supportive and collaborative work environment that fosters growth and professional development. Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant (COTA – Orthopedic Focus)Job Function The Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant supports the delivery of inclusive, data‑driven mobility and access services by partnering with school leaders, Physical Therapists, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and families to implement high‑quality, compliant orthopedic and functional movement interventions for qualifying students. This role strengthens MTSS/RTI frameworks, trauma‑informed practices, and SEL‑aligned participation supports by promoting safe, culturally responsive access to school environments. The COTA provides therapeutic intervention, consultation, and progress monitoring to address the orthopedic, motor, and functional needs of students with disabilities. Through collaborative teaming, targeted staff training, and inclusion‑focused problem‑solving, the COTA builds capacity in schools to improve mobility, safety, and engagement for students across settings, including those served through 504, Gifted, and Multi‑Lingual Learner supports. The COTA is a key contributor to multidisciplinary evaluation and IEP teams, with some remote consultation and documentation. Core ResponsibilitiesCertified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant (COTA) Job Function The Certified Orthopedic Therapist Assistant (COTA) supports the delivery of inclusive, data‑driven mobility and access services for students with orthopedic, motor, and functional needs. Working under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, the COTA implements treatment plans, facilitates safe access to school environments, and contributes to multidisciplinary evaluation and IEP teams. This role strengthens MTSS/RTI frameworks, trauma‑informed practices, and SEL‑aligned participation supports by partnering with teachers, paraprofessionals, school leaders, and families to reduce barriers to mobility, safety, and engagement. Through collaborative teaming, targeted staff training, and culturally responsive problem‑solving, the COTA builds school capacity to support students across general education, special education, 504, Gifted, and Multi‑Lingual Learner settings. Remote consultation and documentation may be included. Core Responsibilities Direct Student Support • Implement orthopedic and functional mobility interventions as outlined in the PT's treatment plan., • Facilitate strength, balance, endurance, motor‑planning, and functional movement activities aligned to IEP goals., • Support students in safely accessing classrooms, playgrounds, buses, and other school environments., • Record accurate session notes, progress data, and observational information., • Communicate student performance, safety concerns, and emerging needs to the supervising PT., • Assist with preparing data summaries for IEP meetings and progress reporting., • Partner with teachers, paraprofessionals, and families to generalize motor and mobility strategies across settings., • Support training on safe lifting, transfers, positioning, and use of adaptive equipment., • Participate in team‑based problem‑solving to reduce barriers to access, safety, and participation., • Assist with fitting, maintenance, and safe use of adaptive and mobility equipment., • Monitor student positioning, safety, and environmental access throughout the school day., • Report equipment needs or concerns to the supervising PT for follow‑up., • Support staff in maintaining safe, accessible learning environments.Qualifications, • Completion of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program or equivalent coursework., • Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant studies or a related field., • Current Colorado COTA license or eligibility to obtain it., • Experience with pediatric, orthopedic, or school‑based populations preferred., • Ability to follow treatment plans with fidelity and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams., • Commitment to culturally responsive, inclusive, and trauma‑informed practice.Optional Remote/Tele-Support, • Virtual consultation with teachers and families., • Remote progress monitoring when appropriate., • Digital documentation and collaboration. Mandatory Background Checks: In alignment with our commitment to student safety, all candidates are required to undergo a biometric background check, which will require fingerprinting. Please be aware that certain findings in the background check may disqualify a candidate from employment in a school setting. These may include, but are not limited to: • Convictions for violent crimes, such as assault or domestic violence., • Convictions for offenses against children, including abuse or endangerment., • Drug-related offenses, particularly those involving the distribution or trafficking of controlled substances., • Certain felony convictions, depending on their nature and recency. Adherence to Colorado Education Laws: Our recruitment process strictly follows the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Colorado Department of Education. We expect all applicants to be familiar with and adhere to these standards. This employer utilizes E-Verify