Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Are you interested in making a significant impact in students’ lives?  Would you like to be part of a team that is committed to do whatever it takes to make every student successful?  Gem Prep is seeking an entrepreneurial spirit who is committed to excellence and has a desire to join a fast-growing team.    Gem Prep is a K- 12 college preparatory school.  At least sixty percent of Gem Prep students will graduate high school with an associate’s degree and the remainder will graduate with at least 18 college credits. During the elementary years, Gem Prep believes in building a strong academic foundation to prepare students for the rigorous learning environment in grades 7-12.   Gem Prep views itself as a catalyst for changing K-12 education in Idaho, with an impact that extends beyond our schools to benefit students throughout the state. Our focus is to improve post-secondary preparedness and achievement for all students. Gem Prep Schools are part of the Gem Innovation Schools organization that serves K-12 students throughout Idaho, operating four charter schools in Nampa, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Pocatello and a statewide virtual school.  See www.gemprep.org for more information.   Gem Prep students develop the following competencies by the time they graduate high school. Gem Prep staff are expected to possess each of these same competencies. Self-Aware, Self-Directed and Self-Disciplined Creative Problem-Solver Skilled Communicator and Collaborator SUMMARY: Assist School-based therapists with students’ fine motor and skill development, removing barriers from students' ability to learn and increase their independence within a school environment, and educating school personnel about accommodations, adaptive tools, and strategies required for students with disabilities. ***Please note this posting is for the 25-26 school year*** RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervise and interact with assigned students. Assist in the assessment of student’s level of functioning and need for therapy. Assist in the development of an Individual Education Program (IEP) for student in occupational therapy and participate in IEP meetings with parents at the direction of the therapist.  Work closely with the Occupational Therapist, co-workers, students, parents, building staff, district staff, etc. to foster a consistent, structured, supportive environment. Follow the designed occupational therapy program so that it is consistent with the total educational philosophy and goals of the district Assist with completing progress reports for each student in the program as directed Assist with completing appropriate reports for special education and Medicaid as directed Participate in training specific to the job. Any other duties as required by the occupational therapist or education staff. QUALIFICATIONS: ·  Graduate of a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant  program. ·  Demonstrated aptitude for the work to be performed. ·  Candidates will hold or be eligible to hold an Occupational Therapist Assistant certificate (COTA) by start date of Job WORKING AT GEM PREP: Gem Prep focuses on hiring and developing great employees with high expectations and provides robust support to meet those expectations.  Gem Prep expects the following: Results.  Gem Prep works relentlessly to create efficient, measurable, and sustainable results. We strive for excellence and pursue our mission tenaciously. Ideally, you thrive working in a fluid environment where flexibility and tenacity are required. Innovation. We embrace new approaches and ideas that have a powerful impact on learning and teaching, achieving success for every student. We believe that today’s students need schools that dramatically rethink the traditional learning and teaching process for the success of every student.   The status quo is not acceptable.   Integrity. We are truthful, fair, and trustworthy in all aspects of our work. We expect the same of you. Humility. If you are humble and teachable, this will be a powerful learning experience for you.  Your humility will be key to building trusted and authentic relationships as well as the key to your professional growth. We also understand that you bring valuable experiences and knowledge that will lift our team. Teamwork. We value each of our team members as individuals but believe that we achieve the greatest results by working together. Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. Gem Innovation Schools is a DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.  It is a condition of employment with Gem Innovation Schools that employees comply with this policy. I declare that all of the information provided in seeking a position with Gem Innovation Schools is true and correct.  I understand that should an investigation disclose untruthful or misleading answers, my application may be rejected, my name removed from consideration, or my employment with Gem Innovation Schools terminated.