Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) (8506)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Evaluation Type

Professional

Department

Special Programs & Services

Pay Grade

A2

FLSA

Exempt

Date Revised

June 2024

Supervisor

Director of Special Programs and Services

BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, provide therapy to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities and assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities. Provide Assistive Technology assessment and services to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities and support educational professionals in the implementation of the assistive technology.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS: Associate’s degree in occupational therapy or equivalent; Valid Texas license as an occupational therapy assistant issued by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (TBOTE)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to implement occupational therapy treatment programs as specified by occupational therapy plan of care.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Prefer a minimum of two years’ experience in occupational therapy and contact with school-age children
• Additional coursework is highly recommended in sensory integration
• Certified by R.E.S.N.A. as an Assistive Technology Practioner preferred
• Previous school-based experience preferred

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Occupational Therapy Services:

• Provide occupational therapy services as specified in the occupational therapy plan of care.
• Assist with formal and informal testing.
• Collect data according to established procedures to assist occupational therapist in developing a plan of care for occupational therapy services.
• Assist the occupational therapist in writing the student's IEP.
• Interact with student regarding student’s condition, progress, and/or achievement of goals during each treatment session.
• Communicate with parents regarding individual students as directed by the occupational therapist.
• Attend planning meetings and participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee (ARD) meetings as directed by the occupational therapist.
• Assist with the acquisition and maintenance of therapy equipment and supplies. Function as a team member in planning a student’s individual educational and therapeutic program.
• Attend conferences and staffings with staff and parents.
• Provide direction and assistance to classroom teachers for adaptive equipment and strategies in the classroom.
• Assist with instructing teachers, staff, and parents in the use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology programs or devices, and integration of therapy goals into the educational program.
• Observes and documents student's therapy, attendance, and progress reports. Coordinates motor labs.

Clerical:

• Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other documents required including accurate student records and patient progress notes.

Compliance:

• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Board of Occupational, Therapy Examiners, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
• Posture: Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension
• Lifting: Regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases ; may require districtwide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress