Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapy Assistant, in collaboration with the supervising Occupational Therapist delivers direct and indirect occupational therapy services to children with autism as a member of the ACC Autism School team and provides training to staff in the use of materials and equipment to support students.

ONGOING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To successfully perform this job, an individual must be able to successfully perform each ongoing duty.

1. Practices Occupational Therapy, as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, consistent with the American Occupational Therapy Association Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and state licensing laws.

1. Promotes a positive image by representing the Achievement Centers for Children in a courteous, professional manner.

1. Adheres to all Policies/Procedures in the Achievement Centers for Children Personnel Manual.

1. Promotes a team approach throughout the ACC Autism School and agency.

1. Works in family-centered partnerships with the individuals and families served by Achievement Centers for Children.

1. Practices safe work habits and contributes to ensuring a safe and healthful work environment.
2. Maintains a safe and healthful work environment.
3. Maintains equipment in safe working order, notifying supervisor of repairs/replacements as needed.
4. Practices appropriate safety techniques related in Infection Control and Universal Precautions including hand washing and toy disinfecting.

1. Attends continuing education to maintain license and keep abreast of new techniques and trends in the field of Occupational Therapy.

1. Fosters and maintains good public relations with all community sources.

1. Conducts self with professional dignity; understands the importance of good human relations; able to motivate others; and possesses initiative and good judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To successfully perform this job, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

1. Provides occupational therapy services to students (e.g. educational occupational therapy needs, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures.

1. Assesses students' fine motor/vision motor functioning (after service competency has been demonstrated to OTR supervisor) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.

1. Assists with development, implementation and modification of IEP goals by: summarizing, recording and reporting data to OT based on implementation of specially designed instruction, making recommendations to OT based on observations, contributing to preparation and documentation of IEP progress reports.

1. Collaborates, consults, and plans with other team members throughout informal and formal meetings which may include providing in-service training to the same.

1. Implements therapeutic activities under the direction of licensed staff (e.g. instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons in positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student’s IEP.

1. Fabricates and adapts equipment and devices for activities of daily living.

1. Attends supervision, departmental, divisional, and staff in-service meetings.

1. Maintains departmental equipment and materials, including cleaning and organizing.

1. Provides supervision to volunteers and students as assigned.

1. Attends continuing educational opportunities to maintain current licensure. Participates with supervisor(s) in developing and implementing an annual plan for professional growth aligned with the annual evaluation and agency goals.

1. Serves on agency committees.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS listed below are indicative of knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be successful in this position.

Education, Training, and /or Experience

Graduate of an Occupational Therapy Assistant curriculum approved by American Occupational Therapy Association with an Associate Degree.

1. Good interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.
2. Ability to work effectively with a team.
3. Ability to manage time effectively.
4. Ability to adapt to frequent changes and variation in duties and responsibilities.
5. Thoughtful of others, courteous, patient, friendly, tactful and enthusiastic.

Certification and Licenses

Licensed in the State of Ohio as a Occupational Therapy Assistant

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Training and/or experience in pediatrics.
2. Treatment techniques experience/training related to sensory systems and neurodevelopment.

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be routinely met by an employee to successfully perform essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

1. Requires frequently lifting children weighing up to 75 pounds.
2. Requires operating a computer keyboard.
3. Requires standing for long periods of time.
4. Requires observing and interacting with children in a variety of settings, which also includes the ability to see, hear, and speak to them.
5. Requires mobility skills to effectively keep children challenged but safe.
6. Requires operating specialized equipment such as swings, switch toys, and computers.
7. Requires working on the floor and/or in a child-sized chair, including frequent bending, twisting and moving up/sown from the floor.

Working conditions described here are representive of those that must be met by an employee while performing essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

1. Requires participation in special events or functions outside of normal hours.
2. Requires working outdoors.
3. Requires reliable transportation and a valid Ohio driver’s license.

If your job requires you to drive your personal vehicle or an Agency vehicle you will be required to maintain a valid driver’s license, auto insurance as required by state law, and an acceptable driving record.