Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA 8 hours)

CLASS TITLE:  CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT     BASIC FUNCTION:   Under general supervision, assist in providing direct occupational therapy services to children.  Employees in this classification receive general supervision from an assigned administrator and work on a regular basis within a well-defined framework of policies and procedures.   REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:   ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Provide direct occupational therapy services to children according to Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and goals.   Document therapy provided and record progress.   Maintain related logs and prepare reports.   Collaborate with IEP team members to determine the nature and extent of motor disabilities.   Assist with data collection.   Participate in IEP meetings as necessary.   Assist in the development of occupational therapy plans and goals as part of the IEP process in collaboration with OTR.   Consult with staff and family on the appropriate implementation of educational programs as they relate to the development of motor skills.   Recommend materials, activities, and assistive devices to facilitate the development of children with motor disabilities.   Demonstrate educational and developmental motor strategies to children and families.   Recommend equipment, supplies, and assessment materials for purchase to OTR.   Communicate with other professionals serving children. Participate in local and state presentations as necessary.   Attend staff and inservice training meetings. OTHER DUTIES: Perform related duties as assigned.   KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:   KNOWLEDGE OF: The intellectual, sensory, and physical development of children. Principles, methods, and equipment used in occupational therapy. Occupational therapy techniques used in the assessment and treatment of disabilities. The educational and developmental needs to young children with specific disabilities. Operation of a computer and assigned software. Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures. Proper hygiene practices and procedures. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. Oral and written communication skills. Methods of collecting and organizing data and information. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.   ABILITY TO: Understand and follow oral and written directions. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Communicate effectively with physically and developmentally disabled children. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Prepare records and reports related to assigned activities. React with flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity to changing situations and needs. Interact effectively with students, parents, staff, and the public. Work effectively with a student population that has special needs. Demonstrate a patient, understanding, and receptive attitude toward children with special needs, including those with disruptive emotional characteristics. Work collaboratively in teams and with families. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information. Work effectively with individuals from various ethnic and cultural groups. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Contribute to a positive working environment. Make oral presentations to large and small groups. Work independently with little direction. Meet schedules and timelines. Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and assigned software. Plan and organize work. Complete work with many interruptions.         EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:   Any combination equivalent to:  graduation from high school; possession of an Associate’s degree in occupational therapy; previous work experience with children (ages three to twenty-two); experience working in a school setting; experience working as a member of a transdisciplinary team; experience working collaboratively with families as well as experience working with special needs children desirable.   LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:   Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.  Certification by the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).   WORKING CONDITIONS:   ENVIRONMENT: Indoor and outdoor environment. Constant interruptions. Driving a vehicle to conduct work.   PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Perform strenuous physical work in lifting, carrying, moving, and positioning students (up to adult size) in providing occupational therapy services. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Bend, kneel, and stoop on a regular basis. Seeing to read a variety of materials. Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone. Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform assigned duties in a safe and effective manner for self and others.

Salary : $4,806 - $6,135