Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Goal:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is responsible for implementing intervention and therapy regarding students' fine motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) under the frequent and regular supervision of the Occupational Therapist.

Position Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree requires, Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Current and valid COTA license with the Arkansas State Medical Board
• Must have successfully completed at least two (2) months of supervised fieldwork experience carrying out certified occupational therapist assistant responsibilities.
• Prior COTA experience working in a school setting is preferred but not required.
  
  

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Assists Occupational Therapist with assessing students' fine motor, and development skills (e.g. oral motor, sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, activities of daily living, fine motor function postural tone, etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.
• Attends meetings and workshops (e.g. IEPs, training, team meetings, conferences, meetings with outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information, including best practices for school OT delivery.
• Consults with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, teachers, educational assistants, families, etc. for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students’ occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations to implement goals.
• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons (e.g. positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student’s IEP/504 plan for use in the classroom.
• Maintains files and/or records in cooperation with the Occupational Therapist (e.g. progress reports, activity logs,etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance with various state, federal, and administrative regulations.
• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals.
• Prepares written materials (e.g. therapy notes, progress notes, reports, memos, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Presents information (e.g. student performance data, clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.
• Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP/504 goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures.
• Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g. computer technology, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and/or providing alternative strategies.
• Transports a variety of therapy items (e.g. puzzles, games, assistive devices, assessment tools, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions.
• Other duties as assigned