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HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

HAVERHILL, MASSACHUSETTS 01830

    HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS A DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT AND IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION

ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION

Title of Position:                   CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT- COTA

Work Year:                           August - June

Effective Date of

Employment:                         2025-2026 School Year

Salary:                       Range - $37,285 (Assoc Step 1) - $60,585 (Bachelor Step 9)

Organizational Relationship

or Line of Authority:            Works under the direct supervision of the Special Education Director and indirect supervision of the

Occupational Therapist

Job Definition:                     

Occupational therapy is a related service in which the therapist functions as a member of the inter-disciplinary evaluation and treatment team whose purpose is to provide appropriate educational programs for special needs students.

Occupational therapy uses a medically based training to evaluate and apply purposeful goal directed, developmentally sequenced activities to improve the student’s ability to participate, interact and learn within a school environment and promote independence with activities of daily living in the school and community.  This selection of services is directed at improving, developing, or restoring functions impaired or lost through injury, illness, or deprivation.  Modalities used may include physical, sensory, manual, creative, recreational, or play activities.

Treatment within the Life Skills program focuses on increasing the independence and productivity of students with cognitive and physical impairments in the areas of independent living, social emotional behavior, pre-vocational skills and community integration and supports functional academic instruction.

Treatment within the Multiple Support Program focuses on therapeutic programming for students with significant cognitive and physical disabilities. Therapeutic programs include range of motion, oral motor, sensory enrichment, positioning and ensure ease of access to the environment and curriculum.   

School system experience required.

Statement of Duties:            

1. Treatment (Direct Service)

1.         To provide direct services as recommended

by evaluation team in individual, small group or large group sessions.

All students receiving direct occupational

           therapy services must have an IEP and

 occupational therapy goals and objectives or receive

 services as outlined on a 504 plan.

1. Indirect Services

1. To consult and collaborate with evaluation team members, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses and classroom teachers regarding student programs.

1. To consult with pediatricians, neurologists, orthopedists, opthalmologists, and evaluation teams from hospital based programs regarding student services by O.T. to obtain recommendations for service in school setting.

1. To maintain a close working relationship with parents.

1. To attend and participate in student team meetings.

1. To assign, construct or request appropriate adaptive equipment and devices for students and/or classroom and provide training in its usage to appropriate personnel.

1. To plan and implement weekly life skill groups in collaboration with the

       teaching staff.

1. To assist in planning community integration trips and attend accordingly.

1. To provide training to paraprofessionals on therapeutic programming.

1. To assist in the physical transfer of non-ambulatory students when needed.

Administration:

1. The COTA will discuss and request through the OTR all supplies and materials needed for individual students or programs. The OTR will complete all ordering through the purchasing department.
2. The COTA will assist the OTR in maintaining a current inventory of supplies and equipment.
3. The COTA will maintain a weekly treatment schedule and adjust accordingly as students’ service delivery changes.
4. All services should be documented weekly.
5. The COTA will work with the OTR to determine need for ESY services to students on caseload.

Professional Obligations:

1. To actively participate in the supervisor: supervisee relationship through participation in scheduled weekly meetings.
2. To attend staff development and professional seminars to upgrade or maintain skills.
3. To plan, promote or assist in specific program projects
4. Upon hire, the COTA will review student files, including IEP/504, prior assessments and recent progress notes.
5. To maintain current CPR certification.

Documentation:

1. The COTA will maintain student record files.
2. The COTA will write progress notes in accordance with Chapter 766 procedures and do so through the HPS on-line documentation management School Brains.
3. The COTA will complete and/or assist the OTR in completing annual review reports and submit proposed goals and objectives.
4. The COTA will assist the OTR in writing IEP modifications as needed.
5. The COTA will contribute to the IEP and assist/write specific behavioral objectives and current performance levels.
6. The COTA will complete on-line billing through the HPS Medicaid billing program for all students on caseload. Billing will be entered in a timely fashion.
7. Complete on-line Random Moment Time studies as requested.

Qualifications:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant must be a graduate with an A.S. Degree in occupational therapy from an accredited school in occupational therapy. 

They must maintain current licensure in the state of Massachusetts.

Closing Date for Receipt

of Application:                                   June 15, 2025

Applicant Tracking #:

School Spring Posting #                    

Address all Applications and

Letter of Intent to:                               School Spring (Preferred)

                                                            or

                                                            Haverhill Public Schools

                                                            Human Resource Department

                                                            4 Summer Street - Room 104

                                                            Haverhill, MA 01830

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The Haverhill Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is in compliance with Federal regulations prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or disability.  

Salary : $37,285 - $60,585