COTA Jobs in Illinois
COTA jobs in Illinois are in steady demand, with the state's large aging population and extensive rehabilitation network creating consistent openings in skilled nursing facilities, school districts, and outpatient therapy clinics. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford are the most active hiring markets, home to major employers such as Advocate Health Care, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and the Chicago Public Schools system. Hand therapy, pediatric occupational therapy assistance, and geriatric rehabilitation are among the most sought-after specialties across Illinois. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 55+ COTA jobs
Chicago (Aurora, IL)
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Ready to join a company that truly values your skills, supports your growth, and puts your well-being first? Come join us at Sage Connections, a woman- and therapist-owned company built by people who’ve walked in your shoes.
We're hiring a full-time W-2 Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) to provide K–12 school-based services for the 2026–2027 school year. Whether you're an experienced COTA or new to the field, you’ll be supported by a team that understands the real challenges and joys of this work-and is here to help you thrive.
Learn more about who we are and why specialists love working with us at sage-connections.com
Position Details
- Caseload: Multiple caseloads available (K–22 Years old)
- Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 3:30PM
- Hours: 35 – 40 hours/week
- Dates: August 2025 – May 2026
- Location: Onsite in Illinois
Responsibilities
- Provide direct occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, aligned with student IEPs
- Implement individualized treatment plans and goals developed by the supervising OT
- Collaborate with teachers, families, and school staff to support student participation
- Monitor student progress and communicate updates to the supervising OT
- Document services and progress accurately and in a timely manner
- Support IEP meetings and educational planning as appropriate
Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (or higher) in Occupational Therapy
- Current Illinois Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license
- School-based experience preferred, but not required
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Passion for supporting diverse learners in a school setting
Sage Connections is a mission-driven special education staffing company led by a school-based SLP and a purpose-driven entrepreneur. We’re here to uplift the special education community-by creating meaningful roles where specialists feel valued, supported, and empowered.
As a W-2 employee, you’ll receive comprehensive support and benefits-including health insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and professional development assistance. We handle taxes and liability coverage so you can focus on your students, not your paperwork.
Our Commitment
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and to create inclusive spaces for professionals of all backgrounds.
SMS Consent Disclosure
By submitting your application and phone number, you consent to receive text messages from Sage Connections regarding job opportunities and onboarding. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP.
Ready to take the next step?
Visit sage-connections.com to learn more and apply today!
Contact us!
Feel free to call/text Matt at 208-643-7725!
Chicago (Aurora, IL)
Apply To This Job
Close
Ready to join a company that truly values your skills, supports your growth, and puts your well-being first? Come join us at Sage Connections, a woman- and therapist-owned company built by people who’ve walked in your shoes.
We're hiring a full-time W-2 Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) to provide K–12 school-based services for the 2026–2027 school year. Whether you're an experienced COTA or new to the field, you’ll be supported by a team that understands the real challenges and joys of this work-and is here to help you thrive.
Learn more about who we are and why specialists love working with us at sage-connections.com
Position Details
- Caseload: Multiple caseloads available (K–22 Years old)
- Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 3:30PM
- Hours: 35 – 40 hours/week
- Dates: August 2025 – May 2026
- Location: Onsite in Illinois
Responsibilities
- Provide direct occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, aligned with student IEPs
- Implement individualized treatment plans and goals developed by the supervising OT
- Collaborate with teachers, families, and school staff to support student participation
- Monitor student progress and communicate updates to the supervising OT
- Document services and progress accurately and in a timely manner
- Support IEP meetings and educational planning as appropriate
Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (or higher) in Occupational Therapy
- Current Illinois Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license
- School-based experience preferred, but not required
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Passion for supporting diverse learners in a school setting
Sage Connections is a mission-driven special education staffing company led by a school-based SLP and a purpose-driven entrepreneur. We’re here to uplift the special education community-by creating meaningful roles where specialists feel valued, supported, and empowered.
As a W-2 employee, you’ll receive comprehensive support and benefits-including health insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and professional development assistance. We handle taxes and liability coverage so you can focus on your students, not your paperwork.
Our Commitment
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and to create inclusive spaces for professionals of all backgrounds.
SMS Consent Disclosure
By submitting your application and phone number, you consent to receive text messages from Sage Connections regarding job opportunities and onboarding. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP.
Ready to take the next step?
Visit sage-connections.com to learn more and apply today!
Contact us!
Feel free to call/text Matt at 208-643-7725!
See All 55 COTA Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find COTA JobsCOTA Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
COTA Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in COTA jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois COTA license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- NBCOT certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant required or eligible
- Associate degree in occupational therapy assistant from an accredited program
- Ability to implement treatment plans developed by a licensed occupational therapist
- Documentation skills for electronic health records such as Epic or Theraplace
- Experience or clinical fieldwork in a skilled nursing, pediatric, or outpatient setting
COTA Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cota in Illinois?
To become a cota in Illinois, you must complete an accredited associate degree program in occupational therapy assisting, pass the NBCOT COTA examination, and obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The IDFPR issues the state license required to practice, and you must hold an active license before beginning paid work as a cota in any Illinois setting.
Which companies hire cotas in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring cotas in Illinois include Aegis Therapies, Continuum Therapy Partners, and Nexus Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's dense network of skilled nursing facilities, school districts, and hospital-based rehabilitation programs means cota openings appear regularly with both large health systems and smaller regional therapy staffing organizations.
Which Illinois cities have the most cota jobs?
Chicago, Casey, and DeKalb are the Illinois cities with the most cota openings. Chicago dominates by volume because of its concentration of hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and public school programs, while Peoria and Rockford contribute meaningfully thanks to regional health systems like OSF HealthCare and major skilled nursing campuses that serve large surrounding rural populations.
Are there remote cota jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Cota work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring direct patient treatment in clinics, facilities, or schools, which limits remote options significantly. About 0% of cota openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions are typically limited to telehealth-assisted roles or care coordination work rather than direct therapy delivery.
How can I get hired as a cota in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to skilled nursing facilities, which in Illinois tend to hire new graduates and offer structured onboarding alongside experienced occupational therapists. Large Illinois employers such as Aperion Care and SLC Healthcare often post entry-level cota roles in their long-term care communities. Candidates who completed Level II fieldwork in Illinois facilities have a measurable advantage since many sites convert strong students into hires, and holding an active IDFPR license before your start date removes the most common hiring delay.
Where can I find and apply to cota jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to cota jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state. Search the roles that fit your experience level and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 55 COTA Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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