Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) 2026-2027

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Cartwright School District's motto is "We are Cartwright! We are Growing Together!" JOB GOAL The goal of the School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) is to assist in delivering therapeutic interventions under the direction and supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) to support students with disabilities or other special needs. The OTA will work in collaboration with educational teams to implement individualized therapeutic strategies designed to enhance students' motor, sensory, self-regulatory, and functional abilities, enabling them to access and participate in educational activities. This role aims to foster independence and academic success in the school setting, aligned with each student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution
• Must possess a current license as an occupational therapy assistant issued by the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners in order to practice occupational therapy in the State of Arizona.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
• Pediatric experience preferred.
• IVP Fingerprint Card

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with an OTR, selects and implements IEP goals and objectives that are purposeful, goal-directed, and developmentally sequenced.
• Provides OTR prescribed treatment to eligible students with disabilities in special education programs or who require specialized ancillary services in the general education classroom and using pull-out services only when necessary.
• Suggests ways to integrate therapy goals and objectives into daily classroom and home activities.
• Provides consultation and inservice education to staff and families.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and thorough therapy progress notes, therapy logs, and compliance documentation.
• Completes required daily documentation through Medicaid billing.
• Seeks assistance from and collaborates with OTR, when necessary, to ensure quality, appropriate services to students as required by licensure standards.
• Observes accepted safety practices with regard to students and equipment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of content and therapeutic knowledge.
• Demonstrates knowledge of resources.
• Attends required department and campus meetings.
• Assembles, cleans, and maintains equipment and materials for student use.
• Adapts learning materials and classroom environments to accommodate students with diverse needs
• Participates in meetings and contributes to developing and reviewing individualized education plans (IEPs)
• Stays informed on current practices in pediatric occupational therapy and implement evidence-based strategies
• Maintains compliance with school policies and state regulations regarding occupational therapy services

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge and use of occupational therapy theories, models of practice, principles, and evidence-based practice to guide intervention decisions under the guidance of an OTR.
• Knowledge of human development throughout the lifespan and integrates with student's unique developmental status.
• Knowledge of the influence of disabilities, socio-cultural and socioeconomic factors on student's ability to participate in occupations.
• Knowledge of educational policies and procedures related to special education and IEPs
• Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Section 504, and other federal and state laws and regulations regarding education and students and occupational therapy practice in schools.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in selecting and providing a wide range of intervention strategies and monitoring their effectiveness.
• Effective computer skills as needed for work (e.g., ability to effectively use documentation software).
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and/or assistance.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Familiarity with sensory integration techniques and developmental milestones
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and learning
• Experience using assistive technology and adaptive equipment in educational settings
• Problem-solving skills to address diverse challenges students may face in the school environment
• Physical ability to assist students with moving and handling as needed
• Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percent, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals; write documents following prescribed formats; and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

REPORTS TO: Site Administrator

LOCATION: Special Services

SUPERVISES: NA

CALENDAR: 10 Month

JOB CATEGORY: Classified

BEGINNING SALARY: As approved by the Governing Board

BENEFITS: As approved by the Governing Board

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Until filled