Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

TX-STAR Speech Language Services · Houston, TX Part Time

Job Description

Make an Impact Where It Matters Most At TX-STAR Speech Language Services, we partner with school districts across Texas to support students with diverse developmental and functional needs. We are currently hiring Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTAs) for school-based opportunities in the Houston area. This role is ideal for professionals who are passionate about supporting students in developing the skills needed for independence and success in the classroom. What You’ll Do As a COTA in a school setting, you will support the delivery of occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. Key responsibilities include: Implement occupational therapy interventions aligned with IEP goals Support students in developing fine motor, sensory, and functional skills Deliver therapy services in-person to students Assist with documenting student progress and therapy sessions Collaborate with supervising OT, teachers, and school staff Support students in accessing classroom activities and routines Help prepare therapy materials and maintain organized records Follow district guidelines and compliance standards What You’ll Need Active Texas licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program Ability to work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist Strong communication and organizational skills Experience working with pediatric or school-based populations is a plus Work Environment & Flexibility School-based positions in Houston and surrounding areas Opportunities serving students from early childhood through high school Flexible opportunities available: Part-time placements PRN opportunities In-person service delivery Placement based on your availability and preferences Why TX-STAR? Competitive compensation based on experience Flexible scheduling options Bi-weekly pay Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance Supportive, people-first culture Ongoing support from experienced program staff Referral bonus opportunities Professional growth and development opportunities Access to a wide network of school partnerships across Texas About TX-STAR Speech Language Services TX-STAR has been supporting school districts across Texas since 2010, partnering with over 40 districts as well as agencies and regional cooperatives. Our team specializes in connecting schools with highly qualified special education professionals who thrive in educational environments. We are committed to building strong, lasting relationships while ensuring students receive the support they need to succeed academically and beyond.

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What Most Job Listings Don’t Tell You

General overview for this role type — specific duties and requirements vary by employer.

Support roles in senior living — housekeeping, maintenance, activities, and social work — are far more resident-facing than similar positions in other industries. Housekeepers and maintenance staff interact with residents in their personal living spaces daily, which requires discretion, patience, and genuine respect for the people who live there. In Texas, even non-clinical staff must complete facility-specific training on topics like abuse prevention, infection control, and emergency procedures.

Activities coordinators and social workers play a direct role in resident well-being — isolation and depression are significant concerns in senior living, and programming that keeps residents socially engaged has measurable health outcomes. Maintenance staff in senior care need to understand life-safety systems (fire alarms, emergency generators, call systems) and are often the first responders for building emergencies. Background checks are required for all positions, and many facilities prefer candidates who have previous experience working with older adults.

What to Expect in This Role Day-to-Day

Based on typical senior living facilities in the Houston area.

For housekeeping roles, the day follows a room-by-room schedule — cleaning resident rooms, sanitizing common areas, managing laundry, and responding to spill or accident cleanups as they happen. Infection control protocols are more rigorous than in hotels or commercial cleaning, especially during flu season or respiratory illness outbreaks.

Maintenance staff handle a daily work order queue — everything from changing light bulbs and fixing call buttons to HVAC maintenance and plumbing repairs. Life-safety equipment checks (fire extinguishers, exit lighting, generator testing) happen on set schedules. Activities professionals plan and lead group programming — exercise classes, crafts, music sessions, outings — and also provide one-on-one engagement for residents who cannot participate in group settings. Social workers manage care conferences, discharge planning, family mediation, and community resource referrals. Across all these roles, the common thread is that you become a familiar, trusted presence in residents' daily lives.

Houston Area Salary Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Home Health and Personal Care Aide positions in the Houston metro area earn a median wage of $10.97/hr ($22,818/yr). The typical range is $10.60 – $13.28/hr (25th–75th percentile).

Entry Level (10th) $20,613/yr

Houston Median $22,818/yr

Experienced (90th) $30,597/yr

vs. National Median -34.6%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area). Salary data provided by Houston Senior Living Guide.