CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (COTA)

Position Description: CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (COTA)

CLASSIFICATION:  Classified

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:  The job of a Classified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) was established for the purpose of providing educationally relevant Occupational Therapy services to students suffering from a variety of cognitive, emotional, and/or physical illnesses or disabilities according to the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) and under direction of a registered Occupational Therapist (OTR/L). This job reports to the Occupational Therapist and/or Support Services Director

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:  (essential functions)

• Adapts school and classroom environment, tools and materials under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist for the purpose of improving student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activities.

• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student’s IEP plan for use in the classroom under supervision of the Occupational Therapist.

•  Maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals.

•  Presents information (i.e.: student performance data, clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to the supervisor.

• Provides direct Occupational Therapy services according to IEP goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures.

• Provides services at multiple work sites for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.

• Researches resources and methods (i.e.: intervention activities) for the purpose of determining the appropriate activities for addressing students’ functional needs and goals.

• Attends professional development training for the purpose of improving Occupational Therapy skills as required by the Arizona Occupational Therapy Board.

• Keeps log with COTA/OTR supervisor signatures for the purpose of documenting OTR supervision as required by Arizona Occupational Therapy rules and regulations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order

to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform

the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating equipment used in

Occupational Therapy; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percent’s

and/or rations; compose a variety of documents and/or facilitate group discussions and solve practical

problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions if

the job include: student behavior management skills; adaptive equipment; and Occupational Therapy

models, practices and theories.

ABILITY is required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data;

and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others

in a wide variety of circumstances. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action

plans. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job

include: being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality;

working as part of a team; displaying tact and courtesy; being empathetic and nonjudgmental; and

establishing and maintaining effective relationships, especially with students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistance program

REQUIRED LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: 

• Current Arizona license to practice Occupational Therapy

• National Certification

• Valid Driver’s License & Evidence of insurability

• Current CPR certification