Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant C.O.T.A.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

To provide direct and consultative therapy services to students under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in designing a district-wide program in sensory-motor development to meet the needs of all students within the general education curriculum.
• Assist in scheduling the sensory-motor program in cooperation with ESS staff and General Education staff.
• Implement the sensory-motor program through implementation of evidenced based practice and collaborating with the general education teachers across the school campus to provide remediation of developmental delays.
• Assist in the evaluation of materials and submit purchase order request needs, as needed.
• Maintain program inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Participate in the development of in-service for district staff, as requested.
• Read MET and IEP reports to determine present levels of functioning within the educational setting.
• Communicate with supervising OT on a regular basis - updating student progress towards goals, students' response to therapeutic interventions and any needs from staff.
• Participate in Medicaid billing for services provided within the district.

Direct Therapy

Using specifically designed therapeutic techniques individually or with a small group of students, as directed by the individualized education program. Services can include classroom observations, teacher-staff parent consultation, positioning, and adjusting adaptive equipment. Direct service will include some portion of consultation with others including family members, educational staff, etc. who need to incorporate input into daily activities.

Consultative Therapy

Involving the therapist spending time on behalf of the student-related activities such as program planning IEP's, preparation of material, and adjusting adaptive equipment. Consultative therapy also helps the educational team members to work more effectively with students. It may include the reciprocal exchange of information where the primary recipients of the service are other team members. Additionally, consultative therapy may include progress notes, home programs and communications, via phone calls, related to student services, multidisciplinary team meetings and informal staffing conferences. Consultative therapy requires some direct interactive between the student and the related service provider in natural environments on an ongoing basis.

Minimum Education and/or Experience

• State of Arizona Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant License.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and communication.
• Ability to work with other personnel such as occupational therapist(s), district administrators, teachers, principals, psychologists, classroom aides, as well as parents and students.

Core Competencies: Accountability, Analytical Thinking, Integrity, Advocacy

Physical Demands & Work Environment

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 the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. The employee must use hands, arms and fingers to input data, handle, feel or reach; employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs. such as boxes, supplies, etc. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud and can vary in temperature. The nature of this position is fast-paced and may occasionally be thought of as stressful. Through interaction with the public and other district employees, the employee may encounter different scents.

About Us

We have a great group of dedicated staff and hard-working students who work together to achieve academic success within our district. Our campuses are located in Wittmann and Surprise, Arizona, where we value and invest in our local community. Our Mission is to graduate all students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and ethics necessary to succeed in the colleges or careers of their choice. Our Vision is to provide a quality education for every student, every day.

What You'll Love About Us

Our rural community offers a close-knit feel. We offer job-embedded professional development and career pathways. We have an exciting STEM program with amazing community partners. Our University partners offer discounted tuition. Discounted childcare is available for all employees.