Job Description & RequirementsOccupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) - School - (COTA - School)
StartDate: ASAP Available Shifts: 7.5 D Pay Rate: $2021.00 - $2083.00
This contract Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant position offers the opportunity to provide school-based OT services in the beautiful mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, and surrounding communities. Nestled in the pines of the Sierra Blanca mountains, Ruidoso combines the feel of a relaxed resort town with the warmth of a close-knit community. The area is known for its four-season outdoor recreation, from skiing and snowboarding at nearby Ski Apache in the winter, to hiking, mountain biking, and camping in Lincoln National Forest the rest of the year. Lakes and parks in and around Ruidoso offer fishing, boating, and peaceful scenic spots, while a short drive opens access to unique destinations like White Sands National Park. Residents enjoy a reasonable cost of living, small-town charm, local festivals, art and music events, and a vacation lifestyle that makes off-duty time truly restorative.In this role, you will support students across one or more school sites in a collaborative educational environment. You will work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist and as part of a multidisciplinary team that may include speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, school psychologists, nurses, social workers, special education teachers, and general education staff. The focus is on helping students access their education and participate fully in school routines through targeted occupational therapy interventions.Typical responsibilities include implementing OT treatment plans designed by the supervising OT, addressing fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, handwriting, sensory processing, self-help skills, self-regulation strategies, and school participation. You will provide services in a variety of settings such as classrooms, therapy rooms, and other school environments, and support the use of adaptive equipment and environmental modifications to promote student success. Daily work includes following IEP-driven goals, collecting data on student progress, documenting services in a timely manner, and communicating regularly with the supervising OT and campus teams.You may participate in student observations, assist in informal and formal assessments under OT direction, and support preparation of reports and materials for IEP meetings. The position may involve travel between multiple schools or early childhood programs within the service area, providing a diverse caseload and exposure to a range of student needs and age groups. The schedule typically follows the school calendar, with daytime hours aligned with the school day, offering a consistent routine and weekends free.You will be part of a supportive, mission-driven educational environment that values collaboration, innovation, and student-centered care. The cooperative model allows you to work with a variety of professionals while maintaining a strong focus on related services. This setting is ideal for a COTA who wants to deepen their expertise in school-based practice, contribute meaningfully to childrens functional success in the classroom, and enjoy the lifestyle benefits of living and working in a scenic mountain community.
Required Qualifications
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, School
Completion of an associates degree or higher education
Active Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license in New Mexico
(Some States) Completion of the Substantial Equivalency Assessment (SEA)
Preferred Qualifications
Clear, articulate communication skills
Ability to explain results to a varied audience
Candidates with previous school experience a plus!
Completion of a criminal record and background check
Job BenefitsAllied travel assignments are typically for 13 weeks and offer generous packages that include:
- Competitive pay rates
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- 401(k) and Flex Spending
- Life Insurance
- Accident and Short-term Disability Coverage
- Free Continuing Education
- Competitive Housing Deal
- Refer a friend and earn extra cash!
About the CompanyAt AMN Healthcare, we strive to be recognized as the most trusted, innovative, and influential force in helping healthcare organizations provide quality patient care that continually evolves to make healthcare more human, more effective, and more achievable.
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