2024-25 School Year
182 days/year
Purpose Statement:
The job of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) was established for the purpose/s of assessing students' functional development level providing appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives and providing recommendations for program development and student placement.
Essential Functions
•Adapts equipment (e.g. seating, tables, desks, computer hardware, etc.) for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increased
independence for special education students.
• Assists Occupational Therapist for the purpose of supporting them in the implementation of the therapy process.
•Assists with assessing students' fine motor and development skills (e.g. administering tests, observing students, etc.) for the purpose of
determining their deficits and developing recommendations.
•Attends meetings and workshops (e.g. IEPs, training, team meetings, meetings with outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information.
•Consults with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, teachers, class assistants, families, etc. for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising student's occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
•Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons (e.g. positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student's IEP plan.
•Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, billings, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or complying with the district's policies and procedures.
• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies (e.g. swings, balls, puzzles, etc.) for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Performs site visits at multiple worksites including home visits for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.
• Prepares written materials (e.g. activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, Medicaid billings, time studies, summer activities
packets, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
•Presents information (e.g. student performance data, and clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.
•Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with
established practices and procedures.
• Provides home visits and/or summer therapy services for the purpose of delivering services in compliance with established guidelines.
•Provides training and instruction to teachers and staff on the use of assistive devices for the purpose of ensuring such devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved.
•Reports incidents and observations (e.g. suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining the personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to Education Code, administrative and/or school policies.
•Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community
resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
•Transports a variety of items (e.g. puzzles, games, swings, assistive devices, assessment tools, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions.
•Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g. computer technology, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and/or providing alternative strategies.
Job Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities (Minimum Qualifications)
Skill-Based Competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy; operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
Knowledge-Based Competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: student behavior management skills; adaptive equipment; and occupational therapy models, practices and theories.
Ability-Based Competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; displaying tact and courtesy; being empathetic and nonjudgmental; and establishing and maintaining effective relationships, especially with students.
Required Testing
None Specified
Certificates & Licenses
Board Certification as an OTA and State License
Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability
Continuing Educ. / Training
Units of CEU according to State and National Guidelines
Clearances
Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
|