Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is responsible for implementing intervention and therapy regarding students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities under the direction of the Occupational Therapist.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Implement Therapeutic Interventions: Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to their IEP goals and implements therapeutic activities and instruction for students, teachers, parents, and others.
• Adapt Environment and Materials: Modifies school and classroom environments, tools, and materials under the OT's supervision to improve student functioning and access to curricular activities.
• Assist with Assessment and Recommendations: Assists the Occupational Therapist in assessing students' fine motor and developmental skills to determine deficits and develop appropriate recommendations.
• Consultation and Collaboration: Consults with other therapists (PT, SLP), teachers, assistants, and families to review/revise student goals, develop service plans, and provide information.
• Maintain Records and Compliance: Prepares and maintains written materials (e.g., activity logs, progress notes, reports) and files in cooperation with the OT to ensure documentation and compliance with regulations. Also submits Medicaid logs.
• Manage Equipment and Resources: Maintains treatment equipment and supplies, troubleshoots assistive devices, and transports materials needed for therapy sessions. Also reaches out to the AA to the Director of Student Services to order materials and submit monthly Mileage Reimbursement Forms.
• Attend Meetings and Training: Participates in meetings and workshops (e.g., IEPs, team meetings, training) to convey or receive information and best practices for school OT delivery.
• Present Information: Communicates student performance data and clinical feedback to ensure adherence to established internal controls.

Qualifications:

• Education/Experience: Associate's degree required. Prior experience in a school setting beneficial. Experience assessing and selecting assistive technology in a school setting. Experience in IDEA policy and procedures. Experience implementing appropriate therapy under the direction of an Occupational Therapist.
• Licensure: Current and valid Vermont OTA license/certificate appropriate for the position.
• Knowledge/Skills:
• Legal and regulatory compliance: Operating standards for Vermont's schools serving children with disabilities. FERPA and HIPPA. IDEA and the IEP process. Vermont rules and regulations regarding occupational therapy.
• Educational Expertise: Vermont's academic content standards. Current testing programs, mandated assessment tools, and effective intervention strategies. Current educational issues and best practices.
• Professional Abilities: Apply problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Analyze and interpret assessment data and maintain accurate student records, while maintaining confidentiality. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, co-workers, administrators, and the public. Recognize student strengths and weaknesses in communication. Work with teachers and students to demonstrate support in the general education classroom and in non-traditional treatment settings. Work effectively with students who have various cognitive, emotional, and physical limitations. Work with a team to evaluate program progress and implement changes.
• Additional Competencies: Meets all mandated health screening requirements. A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment. Adheres to the Vermont Licensure Code of Professional Conduct. Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies, and administrative guidelines/procedures. Ability to establish working relationships with coworkers and function as part of a cohesive team. Commitment to keep current with skills essential to the objectives of the position. Ability to facilitate student/family access to appropriate community resources.

Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the Windham Central Supervisory Union. WCSU is an equal opportunity employer. Reports to, evaluated by, and receives general administrative direction from the OT and the Director of Student Services.

This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.