Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

TITLE: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma or GED
2. The completion of a planned program through an accredited institution.
3. Passage of the National Exam for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.
4. Certification with the American Occupation Therapy Certification.
5. Excellent observation and communication skills.
6. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Services and/or Occupational Therapist

JOB GOAL: To assist students in accessing school environments and benefiting from educational programs to the maximum extent achievable.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Adapt school and classroom environments, tools, and materials for the purpose of improving student function and student access to the curricula and school activities.
2. Assist Occupational Therapist with screenings, assessments, evaluations, and reevaluations.
3. Provide direct occupational therapy services to support students’ IEP goals.
4. Maintain written records, including progress monitoring of IEP goals and objectives, progress reports, activity logs, and Medicaid billing.
5. Attend meetings, including those for IEP, RTI, and consultation with supervisor.
6. Communicate with teachers and parents to support student therapy needs.
7. As caseload permits and as directed by the Occupational Therapist, provide short-term intervention to small groups of at-risk students.
8. Provide services at multiple work sites.
9. Complete tasks as deemed appropriate and necessary by the immediate supervisor, the principal, Director of Special Education, and/or the superintendent.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Sitting, standing, lifting and carrying, reaching, climbing, squatting, kneeling, and moving light furniture may be required. When traveling to the various locations, equipment must be transported from school to school. Lifting and positioning of children may be required, depending on the children’s disabilities. This position requires a great deal of physical involvement and the performance of strenuous tasks.

ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue.
2. Supervision of students in the cafeteria, schoolyard, and hallways, or on field trips
3. Assisting students with behavioral/management needs
4. Interact with a diverse population of internal and external stakeholders.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and work year as established by the Board and terms of contract.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job is evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.

ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue.
• Excellent observation and communication skills
• May perform strenuous tasks, such as lifting, when working with students.
• Assisting students with behavioral/management needs
• Frequent evening and/or weekend work