Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)
Compensation
Pay not listed
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the pay range, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
At New Story Schools, we serve students ages 5–21 with autism and emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Guided by individualized learning, therapeutic integration, and collaboration, we empower students to grow and prepare for meaningful adult lives. Join our team and help students write their new story.
As a Certified OT Assistant (COTA) at New Story Schools, you will support the delivery of individualized occupational therapy services that help students strengthen motor, sensory, and self-care skills. You will collaborate with teachers, families, and therapists to ensure each student receives consistent, high-quality support that fosters independence and participation in the classroom and beyond.
- What You’ll Need
- Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
- Current Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Assistant license
- Knowledge of child development and behavioral disorders
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
- Professional, reliable, and adaptable approach to student support
What You’ll Do
- Provide occupational therapy interventions under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist
- Implement IEP goals to build fine motor, sensory processing, and daily living skills
- Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to support student growth and engagement
- Apply behavior management strategies to encourage positive participation and self-regulation
- Document progress, maintain accurate records, and manage therapy materials and equipment
- Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Enjoy both paid time off and extra paid school breaks (for select roles), plus paid holidays
- Wellness perks including gym discounts, mindfulness apps, and prescription savings
- Tuition reimbursement, career development programs, and leadership training
- 401(k) retirement savings with a 4% company match and immediate vesting
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Free Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling, life coaching, and mental health resources
- Life insurance, disability coverage, and Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions at no cost to you
New Story Schools is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at talent@newstory.com.
Key Responsibilities
The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant will support the delivery of individualized occupational therapy services to help students strengthen motor, sensory, and self-care skills under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. Responsibilities include implementing IEP goals, collaborating with staff and families, applying behavior management strategies, and documenting student progress.
Requirements
Candidates must possess an Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program and hold a current Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Assistant license. Required attributes include knowledge of child development and behavioral disorders, along with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Key Skills
Occupational Therapist Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Pennsylvania is 97.6 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 61.7% of Pennsylvania clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Occupational Therapy pay on WeekdayDoc is up 1.5% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 7.2 / 10 · top 10% in occupational therapy assistant | ranked against 1,043 Occupational Therapy Assistant listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | not listed | Occupational Therapy median $73k (middle half $64k–$83k)121 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost of living | Pennsylvania index 97.6 | US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Occupational Therapy listings in Pennsylvania | 345 active | 9,279 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Occupational Therapy pay trend | +1.5% vs prior quarter | —through Sep 2026 |
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) at New Story Schools (PA) a 7.2 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 10% in Occupational Therapy Assistant — ranked against 1,043 active Occupational Therapy Assistant listings on WeekdayDoc.
