Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Occupational Therapist Assistant

An employee in this class administers occupational therapy to students to assist a therapist in providing living skills. The work is guided by individual plans with the assistant planning exact sequences of various activities. The employee is expected to initiate minor changes in the plan and make adaptations of equipment and therapeutic environment. Errors in treatment could cause serious harm to students and potential liability for the school system. The employee receives limited supervision.

Evaluates students to determine the extent of their limitations.

Administers a variety of activities to accomplish the planned improvement in functioning.

Analyzes and measures students' behavior.

Prepares records and reports of students' progress.

Designs and adapts equipment to meet the needs of individual students.

Instructs students and families in care and use of adaptive equipment.

Requisitions equipment and materials.

Consults with therapist and school staff to schedule students for treatments.

Job responsibilities could also include participation in administrative activities for the Medicaid program.

Completion of an accredited educational curriculum for occupational therapist assistants and two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be licensed as an occupational therapist assistant in North Carolina.

Must be able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, power tools, sewing machines, wheelchairs, electronic feeders, standers, hand tools, mechanical toys, craft tools, etc. Must be able to exert up to 40 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondences, medical records, educational records, test results, directives, requests, etc.

Requires the ability to record and deliver information and to understand procedures.

Working knowledge of the theory and methods of occupational therapy and their application.

Skill in modifying and constructing adaptive equipment and devices.

Skill in applying and using therapeutic equipment.

Ability to communicate with students, parents and teachers.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.