25/26 - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) INTERNAL ONLY

Salary is the 24/25 rate and will be adjusted when new salary schedule is available.  This position is eligible for benefits through SEBB.

SUMMARY 

The COTA works under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. COTAs work with individuals from age three through adulthood, conducting screenings and assisting with assessments. They follow documented treatment plans or protocols under the supervision of the OT and perform checks and maintenance of any equipment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Under the supervision and direction of an OT:

• Implement specific activities to remediate or develop skills to carry out the IEP (Individual Education Plan) goals and objectives.
• Instruct student(s) in small groups or individually to reinforce basic skills for occupational therapy.
• Maintain required documentation by observing, recording, and charting students' progress to show progress toward OT goals.
• Prepare, maintain, and assemble materials including lesson plans, tests, worksheets, and behavior plans as appropriate.
• Maximize and enhance opportunities for students to practice new skills.
• Use computers and related technologies to support the instructional process and to maintain records.
• Work cooperatively with other professionals and paraprofessionals to implement and support OT activities across different settings.
• Supervise student(s) in out-of-classroom activities.
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive environment for learning in a variety of school settings.
• Participate in in-service workshops and other training opportunities as directed.
• Comply with state and federal special education laws.
• Maintain professional and ethical behavior.
• Assist other personnel with related tasks, as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities and for the enhancement of daily operations of the school district.
• Duties directly related to the purpose of the job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Education and Experience 

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience for Occupational Therapist assistance.
• Language Skills - Strong English and language skills. Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written expression. Ability to present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, other employees, and/or students.
• Mathematical Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Reasoning __Ability to handle problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Able to work with students, redirecting behaviors as necessary.
• Possess good mental and physical health and be able to move and think quickly.
• Possess stamina - includes emotional maturity, strength, patience, and confidence.
• Enjoy the challenge of working closely with students and show interest in the student’s success in school.
• Must have evidence of strong organizational skills, the ability to use good judgment in decision-making, and to show keen analytical skills as related to students and their positive behavior management and communication training. Must be able to maintain confidentiality in all work-related matters.
• Strong educational skills.
• Demonstrate ability to take direction and supervision from OT.  Flexible and willing to adjust routine on short notice

WORKING CONDITIONS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend or twist at the neck more than the average person, squat/stoop/kneel, reach above the head, reach forward, repeat the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times, use manual dexterity.
• The employee may occasionally use hand/grip strength.
• Specific vision and hearing required by this job include seeing objects/persons at a distance and the ability to tell where a sound is coming from.