Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cota)

Submit applications athttps://sau70.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=418

POSITION TITLE: CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (COTA)

Approved By: SAU 70

Date:

March 2023

General Purpose:

Provide quality school-based occupational therapy services, including direct services and consultative services for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) under the direction of the Occupational Therapist

Reports to:

Principal or Designee

Supervises:

NA

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Except as specifically noted, the following functions are considered essential to this position:

• Adapt school and classroom environment, tools, and materials under the direction of the Occupational Therapist for the purpose of improving student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activities
• Maintain treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals
• Attend staff meetings, in-service training, and continuing education courses as appropriate or required
• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, and other involved persons (e.g. positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the students IEP plan for use in the classroom
• Prepare written materials (e.g. activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information
• Assist Occupational Therapist with assessing and monitoring students developmental skills (e.g. fine motor, sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, activities of daily living, postural tone)
• Maintain professional clinical competency by attending certified CEU in-services and workshops
• Provide direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals
• Must comply with all SAU 70 District policy and building / department rules, procedures, practices and objectives.
• Assess and make recommendations regarding the use of adaptive equipment as needed and provide written justification
• Provide training, consultation, and instruction to teachers/staff on the use of adaptive devices and equipment for the purpose of ensuring such devices are used safely and appropriately
• Perform other duties and accepts responsibilities as assigned
• Consult with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, teachers, educational assistants, families, etc. for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations to implement goals
• Maintain files and/or records in cooperation with the Occupational Therapist (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring compliance with various state, federal, and administrative regulations

This general outline illustrates the type of work, which characterizes the Job Classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification.

Evaluation:

• Performance of duty responsibilities will be reviewed annually by the Building Principal or designee

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Full-Time

• School year

• Non-Exempt

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
• 1 or more years of experience as a school-based COTA preferred

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate initiative, strong work ethic, and the ability to positively interact and collaborate in a team environment
• Be a strong classroom support.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community-minded.
• Be committed to their own learning.
• Have excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Demonstrate an understanding of strategies for students with autism, developmental delay, specific learning disabilities, and behavior disorders.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.
• Demonstrate oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues, parents, families, and community members.
• Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with families.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:

Primary Physical Requirements:

(Not, Rarely, Occasionally, or Frequently Required)

1. Lift up to 10 lbs:

Frequently required

2. Lift 11 to 25 lbs:

Occasionally required

3. Lift 25 to 50 lbs:

Rarely required

4. Lift over 50 lbs:

Not required

5. Carry up to 10 lbs:

Frequently required

6. Carry 11 to 25 lbs:

Rarely required

7. Carry 26 to 50 lbs:

Not required

8. Carry over 50 lbs:

Not required

9. Reach above shoulder height:

Occasionally required

10. Reach at shoulder height:

Occasionally required

11. Reach below shoulder height:

Occasionally required

12. Push/Pull:

Rarely required

Hand Manipulation:

(Not, Rarely, Occasionally, or Frequently Required)

1. Keyboarding:

Frequently required

2. Gross Manipulation:

Frequently required

3. Fine Manipulation:

Frequently required

Other Physical Consideration:

(Not, Rarely, Occasionally, or Frequently Required)

1. Twisting:

Not required

2. Bending:

Occasionally required

3. Crawling:

Not required

4. Squatting:

Occasionally required

5. Kneeling:

Not required

6. Crouching:

Occasionally required

7. Climbing:

Not required

8. Balancing:

Rarely required

During the Work Day, Employee is Required to:

1. Sit:

up to 3 consecutive hours

2. Stand:

up to 3 consecutive hours

3. Walk:

up to 1 consecutive hour

Cognitive and Sensory Requirement(s):

• Effectively exchange and receive information and instructions, and respond to inquiries;

• Communicate with others;

• Observe students and staff to ensure safety

Work Environment: Inside: up to 100%

Outside: up to 20%

Work Surface(s): Office Desk, Office Chair

Carpeted floor, tile floor

Other Training, Skills and Experience Requirements:

Ability to work with staff, students, parents, and the community

Other Considerations and Requirements:

Applicants will be subjected to a criminal background check as required by state law.