Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

It is the policy of Norfolk Public Schools to not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, or other protected status in its educational programs, admission policies, employment policies or other administered programs. Persons requiring accommodations to apply and/or be considered for positions are asked to make their request to the Director of Human Resources.

JOB TITLE: Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s degree in a COTA program or Bachelor’s degree in an occupational therapy program from an accredited college or university
• Successful completion of a minimum of one hundred (25) hours of supervised work experience or clinical experience equivalent to the supervised work requirement.
• Demonstration of competency in the skills required of an COTA

REPORTS TO:

• Director of Student Services
• Building Administrator
• Certified Occupational Therapist

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Director of Student Services and/or Certified Occupational Therapist and/or Building Administrator

JOB GOAL: To assist the Certified Occupational Therapist in following IEP plans developed by the occu;ational therapist.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Nine month year
• Salary and work year to be established by the Board of Education

EVALUATION: Evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of Personnel Evaluation Policy

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist occupational therapist in identifying students' strengths, challenges, and specific needs related to motor skills, sensory processing and daily living activities
• Collaborate with the occupational therapist to develop individualized education plans tailored to each student's goals and abilities.
• Under the direction of a licensed occupational therapist, provide direct, group or consultative occupational therapy services according to the student's individualized education plan.
• Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions and activities t enhance students' motor skills, sensory processing, and independence in daily activities.
• Monitor performance and modify interventions as needed to achieve optimal outcomes
• Work closely with teachers, special education staff, and other professionals to integrate occupational therapy strategies into the overall education plan, ensuring inclusivity
• Offer support within the classroom environment, providing guidance to teachers on implementing accommodations and modifications for students with occupational therapy needs.
• Collaborate with occupational therapist in recommending and implementing adaptive equipment or assistive technology to facilitate students' participation in school activities.
• Stay informed about the latest research in occupational therapy, participating in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of assessments, inverventions, and progress reports in compliance with school and regulatory requirements.
• Provide insight into students' therapy progress, share strategies for home-based support, and promote consistent therapeutic approaches.
• Actively participates at scheduled staff meetings
• Performs other duties within the scope of employment and certification as assigned