What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) (2025-2026 Anticipated) position at Wichita Falls Independent School District?
Job Title: Occupational Therapy Assistant
Reports to: Director of Special Education, Supervising Occupational Therapist
Dept./School: Campus(es) assigned
Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Grade: Instructional 1/187 Days
Date Revised: 5/24/2021
Primary Purpose:
Plan and provide therapy to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities. Provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Associates Degree in occupational therapy or related program with minimum level 2 field work
Valid Texas license as an Occupational Therapy Assistant granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
Minimum of two hours per month direct supervision and six hours per month of indirect supervision as directed by the Assistant’s License requirements.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of rehabilitation procedures, activities, and equipment used in occupational therapy
Ability to instruct students and implement and follow plan of care.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Therapy
- Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP).
- Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of occupational therapy services.
- Design, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence.
Consultation
4 Consult with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy.
- Provide staff development training as needed to assist school personnel with selection and use of adaptive equipment and understanding of occupational therapy program.
- Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.
- Communicate with Supervising Occupational Therapist regarding students’ progress and plan of care.
Student Management
- Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student.
- Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
Program Management
- Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive material.
- Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
Administration
- Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records and other documents required.
- Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
- Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
- Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
- Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
Other:
- Regular Attendance
- Any other duties assigned by supervisor
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchairs or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.
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The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Applicants for all positions are considered without regard to race, color, sex, (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status. Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminating employment practice.
The district Title IX Coordinator is Dayna Hardaway, Director of Human Resources, 1104 Broad St., Wichita Falls, TX 76301 940-235-1012
Questions regarding posted positions should be addressed to human resources 940-235-1012.
