Pentucket Regional School District
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Job Details
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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Job Overview:
The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide occupational therapy services to students in a school setting. The COTA will assist in implementing therapeutic interventions to help students develop, regain, or maintain the skills necessary for independent functioning in educational environments.
QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:
- Current certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- State licensure or eligibility for licensure as a COTA in the state where the school is located.
- Previous experience working with children or adolescents in a school or pediatric setting.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, parents, and students.
- Knowledge of developmental milestones, sensory integration principles, and evidence-based practices in pediatric occupational therapy.
- Ability to adapt therapy techniques and approaches to meet the individual needs and abilities of students.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively.
- Commitment to professional growth and ongoing learning in the field of occupational therapy.
- Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check (C.O.R.I.) and fingerprint check.
Reports to : Director of Student Services
Work Year : 184 days (school year)
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist the Occupational Therapist in conducting assessments to determine students' functional abilities and areas of need.
- Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school personnel to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and recommend appropriate goals and interventions.
- Implement therapeutic activities and interventions as outlined in students' IEPs, under the guidance and supervision of the Occupational Therapist.
- Provide direct individual or group therapy sessions to students to improve their motor skills, sensory processing, fine motor skills, self-care abilities, and other areas as needed.
- Document student progress, treatment interventions, and other relevant information accurately and timely in accordance with school and regulatory requirements.
- Communicate regularly with teachers, parents, and other team members to discuss student progress, concerns, and modifications to therapy plans.
- Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to promote students' independence and participation in classroom activities and routines.
- Maintain a safe and supportive environment for students during therapy sessions, ensuring adherence to all safety protocols and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising Occupational Therapist or school administration.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
The physical and environmental demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
- Ability to work in a normal classroom, office, and school building environment.
- Ability to move freely about the building to perform duties with staff.
- Ability to utilize computers and other administrative technologies appropriate to the position.
The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
Position Type: Full-time, school year
Equal Opportunity Employer
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Pentucket Regional School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
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