Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) – School-Based

Hourly Rate: $40-45 per hour 
Location: Tucson, AZ | Onsite – School Setting
Position Type: Full-Time, Contract
Schedule: 40 hours per week, following the school district calendar
Contract Length: Remainder of the 2026–2027 school year, or until the district fills the position directly
Start Date: To be determined, pending contract award and onboarding

Position Summary

RCM Healthcare Services is proactively recruiting a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for a potential full-time school-based opportunity in Tucson, Arizona.

The COTA will provide direct and indirect occupational therapy services to students ages 2.9–22 across preschool, elementary, middle, and high school settings. Working under the supervision of a district Occupational Therapist (OTR), the COTA will support students in developing the functional, sensory, and motor skills needed for meaningful participation in their educational environments.

This opportunity offers a consistent school-based schedule, an established clinical supervision structure, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on students throughout the school year.

This is an anticipated contract opportunity, contingent upon district selection and final approval.

Responsibilities

Schedule / Shift

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, school-day hours, following the district’s academic calendar

• Hours per week: 40

• Contract length: Remainder of the 2026–2027 school year, or until filled by a district hire

• Setting: Onsite services across eight district schools

• Caseload: Approximately 55 students

• Student population: Ages 2.9–22

• Supervision: District-provided Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR)

Key Duties

• Provide direct and indirect occupational therapy services in accordance with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) under OTR supervision.

• Implement interventions addressing fine motor, visual-motor, visual-perceptual, sensory processing, self-care, and functional motor skills.

• Collaborate with supervising occupational therapists, special education teachers, general education staff, paraprofessionals, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Maintain accurate treatment logs, service minutes, progress notes, and documentation in accordance with district and regulatory requirements.

• Support classroom adaptations, assistive technology, and environmental modifications to improve student access and participation.

• Participate in IEP meetings, evaluation reviews, and team discussions as requested.

Requirements

Education

• Required: Associate degree or higher in Occupational Therapy Assistant from an ACOTE-accredited program.

Licenses & Certifications

• Current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification.

• Active Arizona Occupational Therapy Assistant license.

• Valid Arizona Identity Verified Print (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card required before placement.

Skills

• Ability to provide occupational therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed OTR.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with students, educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and follow IEP service requirements.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills when supporting multiple school locations.

• Familiarity with school-based therapy practices, assistive technology, and student-centered interventions.

Benefits

Temporary / Contract (Hourly) Roles

• Comprehensive benefits that include medical, dental, and vision.

• Company-paid Basic Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability for employees working 30+ hours per week.

• Paid sick leave may be available based on hours worked and state laws.

• Employees age 21 and older can participate in the 401(k) Savings Plan.

• Benefit offerings are subject to legal requirements, eligibility status, and work location.

About Us

RCM Healthcare Services works with professionals across schools, healthcare, and community-based settings nationwide. We support both contract and direct hire opportunities, connecting people early in their careers and experienced professionals to roles that align with their experience and preferences.

With more than 50 years of staffing experience, our team understands the environments you’re stepping into and what it takes to be successful in them. We stay closely involved from first conversation through placement, with consistent communication, a reliable point of contact, and follow-through at every step. We’re committed to caring for the professionals we work with and the communities they support, and offer competitive pay and benefits designed to support your well-being.

RCM Healthcare Services is Joint Commission certified, reflecting a commitment to quality, compliance, and a consistent experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation

RCM Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for or perform this role, please contact us and we will engage in an interactive process to support your needs.

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