Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Listed compensation
$60k-$68k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Responsibilities
Shine on as a Occupational Therapist Assistant
In special education and alternative education settings nationwide, the team members of Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) shine a positive light on students who need academic, emotional, social, and behavioral support and uncover the unique learner within. Have a profound impact, grow, learn, and thrive as part of our team.
The purpose of this position is to provide services to students who are eligible for occupational therapy intervention in accordance with their IEP/ISP. The occupational therapist assistant may also provide assessment if requested, in accordance with state and district requirements.
Provide Occupational Therapy intervention for students utilizing exercises and equipment to facilitate fine motor coordination based on the goals and objectives included in the student’s IEP/ISP.
Monitor student progress.
Test and evaluate students (if requested) to determine their need, or continuing need, for occupational therapy.
Consult with classroom teachers regarding occupational therapy plans for each student to assure that intervention is targeted to address the student’s educational needs and incorporated into the classroom as appropriate and possible.
Communicate with parents on a regular basis to assure that they are informed with regard to student progress, and that interventions are incorporated into home activities as appropriate and possible.
Creates solutions to challenges for individual students, which are based in research and sound professional judgment.
- Make referrals to community resources as needed.
- Complete required paperwork in a timely and well-organized manner.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications
Requires a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in occupational therapy assistant, as required by state and contract. NBCOT Certification and/or valid State Certification as specified in the contract.
Ability to work independently. Motivated and well-organized.
Good communication skills with adults and students
Posted Salary Range
USD $60,000.00 - USD $67,500.00 /Yr.
Physical Requirements
Ability to run short distances and move swiftly in response to student needs, including bending, kneeling, and crouching.
Ability to lift and assist students with mobility challenges, often requiring the handling of up to 50 pounds or more.
Skill in managing fine motor tasks, such as helping students with writing, manipulating small objects, or using adaptive devices.
Ability to operate a computer or tablet for up to 8 hours daily.
Capacity to notice and respond to non-verbal cues from students
Capacity to remain calm and composed during physically and emotional demanding situations, ensuring student safety and well-being
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Key Skills
Occupational Therapist Career Context
In Illinois, the Occupational Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$93k (389 salary observations; 892 listings), vs ~$97k nationally (6,734 salary observations; 25,870 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-10-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$64k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $64k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $60k–$68k | Occupational Therapy median $67k (middle half $64k–$73k)13 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Illinois vs national | $93k median in Illinois | $97k nationally (−4%)389 state / 6,734 national salary observations |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$64k in purchasing power | Illinois index 100.0 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Occupational Therapy listings in Illinois | 308 active | 9,247 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Occupational Therapy pay trend | +1.5% vs prior quarter | —through Sep 2026 |
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