Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Vision Statement: CSDB aspires to be an exemplary global resource for families and professionals that excels in preparing diverse learners to transform the world with PRIDE: Positive attitude, Respect, Independence, Determination, and Excellence.

Mission Statement: The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB), in collaboration with families, school districts and community partners, ... educates and inspires learners throughout the state, birth through age 21, to achieve their full human potential through comprehensive, individualized academic, transition, residential and outreach programs and resources.

In addition to a great agency and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans;

• Medical and dental health plans

• Short and long term disability coverage

• Paid life insurance

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more

• Employee Wellness program MotivateMe

• BenefitHub state employee discount program

• Paid Family Medical Leave up to 160 hours (pro-rated based on fte)

This position reports to the Director of Special Education and works in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist. This position works in collaboration with the Certified Occupational Therapist to provide occupational therapy services to students with disabilities as identified on Individual Education Programs. COTA's provide occupational therapy services to students with hearing, vision, and/or multiple disabilities under the direction of a registered OT. These services include contribution to and participation in the assessment, intervention and documentation process.

Treatment Plans: Assists with establishing treatment plans for students and develops therapy activities that ensure attainment of IEP goals.

Consultation: Consults with OT concerning implementation and status of student's therapy goals. Consults with teaching staff to provide instruction related to occupational therapy for individual students or small groups.

Therapeutic Procedures: Implements therapeutic procedures for which qualified, as designated by the staff OT ( including conducting individual and group therapy sessions as required.) and maintains appropriate OT records in accordance with school, state, and federal policy.

Evaluation and Assessment: Participates in evaluation and assessment of functional motor skills related to occupational therapy using standardized measures, formal and informal assessment, checklists as appropriate. Collects data regarding current level of functioning and makes recommendations for goals, objectives, and services in order to contribute information to complete progress reports, write evaluation reports and complete IEP paperwork.. Attends IEP meetings.

Equipment and Therapy Tools: Helps ensure the proper and safe use of adaptive and therapy equipment making certain equipment is constructed properly and maintained in good working order.

Residency Requirement: (New)

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description: (New)

C5L1XXTHERAPY ASSISTANT I

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Must possess an occupational therapy assistant certification with DORA.

• Must be fluent or willing to attain fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the appropriate skill level within a reasonable amount of time.

Conditions of Employment

• Persons applying for this position must be willing to work an academic-year schedule (August to June, as per established School Calendar, subject to change), and shift work as required. .
• This COTA position at CSDB is non-exempt, and employees are eligible to receive overtime pay, with a condition of employment that overtime work must be appropriately authorized in advance and may be paid in compensatory time in lieu of cash payment.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the appropriate skill level, or applicants must be willing and able to attain proficiency at the level required within a specified period of time, as demonstrated by an appropriate assessment tool and according to school policy / procedures.
• Selected applicant(s) will be required to submit to and pass a background check, to include Colorado and Federal criminal history checks, employment verification, and professional / personal reference checks.

Additional Requirements

• A courteous, professional and helpful attitude in the role of CSDB representative.
• Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback; ability to participate effectively in a team setting and to work independently; strong interpersonal and communication skills; effective organizational skills; effective problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of and ability to assess and apply technology to perform the requirements of the position; ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications, which may include but is not limited to e-mail, Internet, word processing, electronic calendar, presentation development, spreadsheet, database, etc.; willingness to stay current and develop skills as needed with or without direct support from CSDB.

Appeal Rights: (Updated)

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at ... within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department's action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Please note that communication relative to this position will occur primarily via e-mail correspondence.

How To Apply:

In addition to the submission of a complete on-line application (to include salary history and references), please upload the items listed below to the on-line application:

• Applicants are encouraged to submit a current resume. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a complete application.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit recent letters of recommendation (with signature).
• A copy of current, valid State of Colorado Drivers' License must be submitted with application.
• If applicable, transcripts must be provided with the application to verify education.

Complete applications must be received by the application deadline / closing date; postmarks will not suffice as timely receipt (for applications not submitted on-line).

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support:

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at ... Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.

Important Information:

Applications are part of the selection process and will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if applicants meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Applications may also be used as a part of the comparative analysis process to rank candidates and identify a top group for interview. Read this job announcement carefully before completing the on-line application. Applications must specifically address/support applicant qualifications as they relate to the requirements listed in 'Description of Job' and 'Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions and Conditions of Employment/Additional Requirements' sections. If applicable, official transcripts and/or other supporting documentation must be provided with the application to verify education / minimum qualifications / substitution / additional requirements (unofficial or copies of transcripts may serve as temporary verification only; applicant(s) selected for hire will be required to provide official transcripts to verify education). Failure to complete the application properly and include required information and/or documents, or if applications do not demonstrate that experience and/or education are consistent with the categories listed on this announcement, may result in the applicant not being considered for this position. Also, in order to be considered for this position, complete applications must be received by the application deadline/closing date. Applicants will be notified of the results of this review.

Please refer to the CO-Jobs State Employment Opportunities website (careers.colorado.gov) for the following information:

• State Employment FAQs
• Address Confidentiality Program
• ADA Accommodations
• Residency Requirements

Compensation / Benefits:

For more information about insurance benefits, visit the State of Colorado website: .

The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Joseph Bloom / Human Resources Manager, at email: ... or call ....