Job Description

About Cloquet Public Schools

Welcome to Cloquet Public Schools! We are a dynamic community serving 2,400 students in northern Minnesota. Our vision, "Growing forward for our community, our schools, and our future" guides us as we work to provide a robust educational opportunity for each student we serve.

We offer a small-town feel combined with the amenities of larger districts, and we are recognized for our commitment to cultural inclusivity, high-quality education and a strong sense of community. Here you will find a welcoming, forward-thinking environment where you are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and families. If you are passionate about education and community, we invite you to join our team!

Long Term Substitute Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Occupational Therapist and building principal, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides direct occupational therapy services to students (preschool through age twenty-one) and consultation (indirect) services to employees and parents throughout the district. This role will primarily be assigned to multiple buildings within the district, with the potential for reassignment based on district needs.

General Responsibilities include:

• screens and/or evaluates students referred to occupational therapy in the areas of: fine motor coordination and postural adjustments, perceptual motor control, sensory integration and activities of daily living, emphasizing specific lags and pathological responses as related to academic functioning;
• consults with teachers and parents regarding appropriate motor activities, self-help skills, and special equipment/assistive devices;
• maintains close communication with classroom teachers, other staff members, and parents concerning student's performance;
• maintains accurate records of students evaluated and served in the occupational therapy program, including: assessment results, therapy progress, and reports;
• participates in designated team meetings, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) conferences, and periodic reviews to assess programming and reevaluation decisions; and
• schedules occupational therapy evaluation and treatment times and locations with teachers and building administration.

Knowledge and Skills, include, but are not limited to the ability to:

• communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• read and interpret documents, such as professional assessment and program manuals;
• make decisions regarding eligibility for and dismissal from special education services;
• score and interpret standardized test results;
• schedule efficiently, across multiple sites;
• apply knowledge of occupational therapy to students in an educational setting, to effectively and efficiently meet their individual needs;
• function independently and as a member of a professional team;
• provide consultation services to teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents to effectively serve students needing educationally-based occupational therapy;
• handle and manipulate specialized equipment and demonstrate it for students, as needed;
• perform work wherever required by students and parents, including: schools, offices, and residences; and
• use typical office productivity software and applications (list software and applications as applicable - special education forms, Google Docs, Google Sheets and Infinite Campus, etc.)

Qualifications

Associate's Degree from an ACOTE approved school.

Licensing Requirements

Licensed as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the U.S.

Physical Requirements

Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force, and/or negligible of force constantly, to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Salary and Benefits

The starting pay for this position is $24.66 per hour. It will be up to 12 weeks long term substitute position.

We are proud to offer a wide array of benefits to our employees. You will be eligible for paid sick and safe time.

How to Apply

Application deadline is November 16, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

Individuals who wish to be considered for this position must apply online at http://www.applitrack.com/isd94/onlineapp.

Only qualified and appropriately licensed individuals will be considered for an interview.

For any inquiries or questions regarding the position, please contact Jennifer Holm, Principal of Churchill Elementary at jholm@isd.org or 218-879-3308.

A diverse workforce fuels innovation and allows us to better understand, communicate with, educate, and support our students. Cloquet will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications outlined in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and know that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.