Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (COTA)

DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist (OT), the COTA will provide therapy services to special education students from preschool through 8th grade, at various school site locations. The COTA will assist the OT on a day–to–day basis and will contribute to developing treatment programs aimed at improving the identified areas of function as they relate to the child’s educational needs. The COTA will perform services in accordance with the IEP goals and objectives. The COTA will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to include teachers, specialists, and parents as it relates to the student’s educational needs/services/IEP.  This position reports to the Director of Special Education and Psychological Services. This is a roving position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Cooperates with other staff to accomplish the District’s priorities and expectations
• Assists the OT with the development of treatment goals for students
• Implements intervention plans using tools and materials as outlined by the OT
• Communicates effectively, orally and in writing, to parents, teachers, and program staff
• Maintains equipment and supplies
• Maintains student records and files
• Prepares records and reports
• Attends meetings as appropriate
• Provides training to classroom personnel in accordance with the IEP and under the direction of the OT
• Travels to various school sites and other educational settings for the provision of services
• Performs related duties as required
• Consults with classroom teachers about upcoming assignments and necessary accommodations and modifications for students
• In collaboration with the OT, models techniques and procedures for staff
• Assists in training general and special education staff on techniques to address student needs
• Consults with OT, IEP team members, and other appropriate staff on a regular basis

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned and may assist other personnel as required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Provides first aid and non-medical assistance (e.g., changing diapers and clothing, positioning students on orthopedic equipment, lifting students, stretching) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile, and/or injured students, and maintaining students’ personal hygiene.
• Collaborates and maintains positive relationships with parents and other school professionals including school psychologists, counselors, teachers (special and general education), and administration to implement strategies for students.
• Maintains professional competence through participation in in-service education activities as provided by district, state, consultants, or self-selected professional growth activities
• Knowledge of, and adherence to, all pertinent education codes

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

• Ability to analyze and offer alternative problem solutions
• Ability to meet physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties
• Ability to follow oral and written directions
• Ability to get along with co-workers and deal with the general public tactfully, courteously and professionally

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Experience working with children with disabilities in a school setting
• Formal training in sensory integration theory and treatment techniques
• Experience working as a member of an interdisciplinary team including working collaboratively with families.
• Oral and written communication skills
• Public speaking techniques
• Collaboration skills with staff

SKILL AND ABILITY TO:

• Serve diverse needs
• Perform multiple tasks with the potential to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records
• Operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications
• Perform assignments independently
• Adhering to safety practices
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Plan and organize work
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Understand program goals and objectives
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Office and classroom environment
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, and depth perception
• Reach in all directions
• Ability to lift 25 pounds maximum and carry objects weighing 15 pounds
• Bend, twist, kneel and stoop
• Write legible reports
• Read notes, memos, and printed material
• Speak clearly and communicate effectively

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate of Arts Degree or equivalent. Current Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification through the California Department of Consumer Affairs- Board of Occupational Therapy.  Must maintain COTA certification throughout employment.  Nonviolent Crisis Prevention (CPI) certification will be provided during employment and employee must participate in continued CPI training to maintain certification. 

WORK YEAR:

The work year is one hundred ninety five (195) days, plus paid holidays, plus paid vacation

EOE

This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin , immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, pregnancy status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Inquiries regarding compliance procedures may be directed to our personnel office.

This organization is a Drug-, Alcohol- and Tobacco-Free Workplace.

Salary : $26 - $31