Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Therapy Assistant

The job of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) was established for the purpose of assessing students' functional development level; providing appropriate occupational therapy services to meet individual student objectives; and providing recommendations for program development and student placement geared toward improving the student's ability to successfully function in the educational environment. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Primary duties/responsibilities include adapting equipment for optimal positioning and increased independence for special education students, assisting Occupational Therapists in their work activities, assessing students' fine motor and development skills, attending meetings and workshops, consulting with various professionals, implementing therapeutic activities, maintaining treatment equipment and supplies, maintaining files and records, performing site visits including home visits, preparing written materials, presenting information, providing training and instruction to students, parents, and teachers, providing home visits and summer therapy services, providing direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals, reporting incidents and observations, researching resources and methods, transporting items, and troubleshooting problems with assistive devices.

Education and experience requirements include a Community College and/or Vocational School degree with study in a job-related area, active license for Occupational Therapy Assistant from the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, and Certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA).

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include adhering to safety practices, applying assessment instruments, operating equipment used in occupational therapy, operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications, preparing and maintaining accurate records, student behavior management skills, adaptive equipment, occupational therapy models, practices, and theories, being attentive to detail, communicating with diverse groups, maintaining confidentiality, working as part of a team, displaying tact and courtesy, being empathetic and nonjudgmental, and establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

Physical requirements include significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing.

Important employment statements include that the statements above are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The District reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time. The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity in its programs, activities, or employment as required by applicable federal and state laws.