Job Description

Full or Part Time | School-Based Leave Coverage | November 10, 2026 – February 15, 2027 | Elk River, MN

Looking for a meaningful school role this winter with a team that truly has your back? Pediatric Developmental Services (PDS) is hiring Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) for a school-based leave coverage in the Elk River, MN area. You'll join a supportive, collaborative motor services team and help students from early childhood through high school build the skills they need to succeed. Multiple COTAs are welcome, full time or part time!

Assignment Details

• Dates: November 10, 2026 – February 15, 2027 (leave coverage)
• Schedule: Full time preferred (37.5 hours/week), typically 7:30 AM–3:30 PM with a 30-minute duty-free lunch
• Part time welcome: Several part-time COTAs can share coverage
• Flexible hours: Start and end times and assignments can be adjusted to fit your availability
• Students: Early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school
• Locations: Flexible assignments that may include more than one school, with a central home base where the motor team meets each morning

Why You'll Love This Role

• Supportive team: Start each day with a collaborative motor services team before heading out to students.
• Supervision provided: Licensed OTs in the district provide your required COTA supervision, so you're never on your own.
• Variety: Work with students of all ages across different school settings.
• Flexibility: Full time or part time, with adjustable hours and assignments.

Why You'll Love Working With PDS

• Flexible pay options: Customized agreements – 1099 or W2 and more! Let's build a package that works for you.
• A real person in your corner: One dedicated recruiter from your first chat to your first day, and throughout your assignment.
• Unlimited CEUs: Keep growing your skills at no cost to you.
• Licensure, fingerprinting & background check reimbursement: We help cover the costs of getting cleared and staying licensed.
• We'll help you get licensed: Not licensed in Minnesota yet? Our licensing team will walk you through the process.
• Great mentorship program: Real support from experienced clinicians.
• W2 benefits: Medical, dental & vision (30+ hrs/week), plus a retirement account with company match.

What You'll Do

• Provide hands-on occupational therapy services to students, following plans developed by the supervising OT.
• Support classroom-based interventions that help students participate in their school day.
• Work within the district's indirect service delivery model, partnering with teachers and staff on strategies that carry over into the classroom.
• Collaborate with OTs, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Document services and track student progress.

What We're Looking For

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with NBCOT certification
• Minnesota occupational therapy assistant license, or eligibility to obtain one (we'll help!)
• School-based or pediatric experience preferred; new grads welcome
• Comfortable working with students of all ages and moving between schools
• Available to start on or around November 10, 2026

Ready to Apply?

Our application takes just 3 minutes and works on your phone. Apply today, and a member of our team will reach out to learn more about you. We look forward to meeting you!

About Pediatric Developmental Services

PDS connects public school districts, charter schools, and communities nationwide with highly qualified pediatric therapists, including speech, occupational, and physical therapists. We believe every child deserves the best care possible. That starts with finding and supporting great therapists through real mentorship, competitive compensation, and benefits that matter. When our therapists thrive, kids thrive.