Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Type:
Student Support Services - Licensed/ Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Date Posted:
5/20/2025

Location:
Special Services Center

Date Available:
August

Closing Date:
Open until filled

&nbsp&nbsp Summary:
Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides educationally related occupational therapy services to special education students according to each students Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides educationally-related occupational therapy services to students.
• Follows and implements documented treatment plans developed by the occupational therapist.
• Prepares therapy materials and/or equipment for use in the classroom and during therapy activities.
• Maintains treatment areas, equipment, and supply inventory.
• Assists with data collection and the assessment of students abilities in sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, self-care, and fine and visual motor function.
• Assists Occupational Therapists with the development of treatment goals and intervention plans as part of the student IEP.
• Monitors the use of adaptive equipment and other assistive technology.
• Assists with adapting school and classroom environment, tools, and materials to improve student function and facilitate student access to curricular and instructional activities.
• Assists in maintaining student files and submitting treatment documentation.
• Assists Occupational Therapists during assessments, including assisting with formal documentation, preparing materials, administering standardized tests, reporting observations, and performing clerical duties.
• On occasion, may be required to attend student IEP meetings to report findings and recommendations on behalf of an occupational therapist.
• Other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Qualifications:

• Abilities:
  • Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students, particularly those exhibiting developmental delays.
  • Appropriately manage student behavior and guide students toward more acceptable social behaviors.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Optimize a work schedule that may involve multiple locations.
  • Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
  • A working knowledge of technology including common office productivity software, the internet, and other computer programs.
  • Perform routine clerical tasks and operate a variety of educational and office-related machines and equipment.
  • Learn to utilize a variety of appropriate occupational therapy materials and procedures in the enhancement of a training and educational environment.
  • Develop and maintain cooperative and confidential relationships with colleagues, students, and parents.

Education and Experience:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent
• Requires an associates or technical degree from an accredited educational program for occupational therapy assistants that includes supervised fieldwork experience.
• Prior experience in the field is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates:

• California Drivers License
• Occupational Therapy Assistant license from the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT)
• Certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

Application Document Requirements:

• Resume
• High School diploma or GED.
• AA/AS degree, or 48+ semester college units, or Paraprofessional Certification.

Salary and Terms of Service:
Salary range (66) $37.76 - $46.45 per hour, eight (8) steps, seven (7.5) hours per day and five (5) days per week (M-F), 10 months per year. Holidays, sick leave and vacation benefits. Prepaid family dental, medical, and vision insurance, prepaid life insurance plan for employee only, prorated according to number of hours worked.

Required Application Procedure:
Apply Online. An online application and all documents supporting the application requirements noted above must accompany your application by the closing date in order to receive consideration for this position. It shall be the applicant's responsibility to supply copies of all documentation, letters of recommendation etc. or other related materials.

Selection Procedure:
A screening committee will evaluate each application, personal resume, and other letters of reference. Interviews will be scheduled for qualified applicants. If after interviews suitable applicants are not found, the search will continue. As required by California State Law, should you be employed by the District, your fingerprints will be taken and submitted to the Justice Department and the FBI for a background check. Processing fee will be at applicants expense.