Occupational Therapy Assistant

School-Based Pediatric Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Reports To: Supervising Occupational Therapist (OT), Related Services Coordinator

FLSA Status: Exempt/Non-Union Work Location: Center-based with travel to all BKS sites Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week)

The Brooklyn Kindergarten Society (BKS) is the original "born in Brooklyn." We were founded in 1891, and for 130 years, BKS has helped provide high-quality early childhood education to working families. BKS has grown up with the borough and continues to be a leader in equitable access to early childhood education. We provide full day, year-round academic experiences and care for children ages 2-5 years old. Our curriculum is play based and marries together reading, writing, movement and music, with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. Our goal is to ensure that Brooklyn's youngest learners have an equitable first educational step.

Position Summary

Brooklyn Kindergarten Society is seeking a certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our school-based related services team in Brooklyn, New York. This role supports students across the preschool settings by providing occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), in alignment with IEP goals and assessment outcomes and treatment plans.

This position differs from common expectations outlined in NYC-based COTA roles posted on Indeed and LinkedIn, with a strong focus on classroom-based intervention, collaboration, and student access to inclusive learning across 7 centers in Central Brooklyn.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver direct occupational therapy services to students (individual and small group) as outlined in IEPs and treatment plans
• Carry out treatment plans developed by the supervising OT, with fidelity and adaptability to school routines
• Support student development in:
• Fine motor and visual-motor integration
• Handwriting and pre-writing skills
• Sensory processing and self-regulation
• Gross motor coordination and postural control (as applicable)
• Self-care and school participation skills
• Collect data on student progress and report outcomes to the supervising OT
• Assist with progress notes, session documentation, and IEP-related paperwork
• Implement classroom-based strategies, accommodations, and sensory supports
• Collaborate regularly with teachers, related service providers, and families
• Participate in Inclusive Learning Team meetings, team conferences, and professional development activities
• Maintain compliance with district, state, and federal regulations, including FERPA and IDEA
• Travel to other sites when needed to meet the needs of participating children attending other BKS centers.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Associate's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Active New York State licensure/certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
• Current NBCOT certification
• Ability to work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage a school-based caseload and daily schedule

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a school-based or pediatric setting
• Familiarity with IEPs and treatment plans, AOTA ethics and multidisciplinary collaboration
• Experience supporting students with:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD
• Developmental delays
• Sensory processing differences
• Comfort working in inclusive classrooms and special education environments

Skills & Competencies

• Classroom-based intervention and consultation skills
• Strong clinical reasoning skills
• Strong organization and time-management abilities
• Flexibility and adaptability within fast-paced school settings
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends
• Flexibility with traveling to multiple locations
• Ability to build rapport with children, families, and school staff
• Data-driven decision-making and documentation accuracy

Work Environment

• Services provided in sensory gym classrooms, therapy rooms, and playgrounds
• Physical demands include sitting on the floor, bending, lifting therapy materials, and assisting students with movement as appropriate