Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

POSITION:  Certified and Licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA/L)

PURPOSE:    Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) assists in supplementing, enhancing and providing occupational therapy services by completing a variety of tasks such as, but not limited to, assessments, interventions, treatment and activities to enhance motor, sensory, self-regulatory and other functional skills. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Associates degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Valid Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification from the time of appointment and must maintain current certification throughout employment in this classification.
• Current License in the state of Kansas through the KS Board of Healing Arts.
• COTA experience in a school-based or pediatric setting.
• All required documents, including copy of license, on file at the district office.

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Special Education for the Tonganoxie Basehor Linwood Special Education Cooperative

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Occupational therapy equipment, materials, and procedures.
• Current occupational therapy methodologies.
• Typical child development.
• Learning styles in children.
• Student behavior management techniques and strategies.
• Dealing effectively with behavior management.
• Effective time management.
• Effective selection, preparation and presentation of materials.
• Collecting and maintaining student data and progress documentation.
• Competency performing a variety of screening tools, protocols and forms of documentation.
• Effective implementation of therapy goals and objectives.
• Ability to help compile reports and maintain records.
• Effective and tactful communication in both oral and written forms to ensure successful interaction with parents, students, supervisor, school staff and community agency representatives.
• Modification and differentiation of lessons to meet students needs and progress (with guidance from OTR/L).
• Consultation with OTR/L when student’s progress is not consistent.
• Development and monitoring of carry over activities with classroom teacher/staff and home.
• Development and implementation of creative, appropriate lessons/materials to ensure progress towards student IEP goals.
• Working with students individually and in small groups.
• Development of schedules for student services that meet IEP requirements.
• Ability to consult with team members and assist with training of staff with OT relevant information. 
• Participate in team meetings and potentially parent/IEP meetings. 
• Ability to be flexible and cover needed treatment when the OTR is unavailable due to meetings, etc. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:  Physical and emotional ability and dexterity to perform required work and move about as needed in the work environment. Regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job is required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.