Sp Ed, Occupational Therapist Asst.

Occupational Therapist Assistant

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides unique therapeutic services to enhance the goals and objectives of eligible students. The COTA is primarily responsible for implementing programs prescribed by the occupational therapist.

The COTA is responsible for:

• Implementing the individualized/small group therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist based on goals and objectives.
• Assisting the occupational therapist in determining the extent to which goals and objectives are being met by collecting and maintaining data on individual student goals.
• Assisting the therapist in formulating new goals based on data analysis.
• Promoting independence in activities of daily living (including dressing and feeding) through problem-solving, suggesting adaptations, and observation of the student.
• Observing, problem solving, and suggesting positioning techniques to enhance educational participation and maximize function.
• Consulting and assisting classroom staff through gathering and sharing information at team meetings when requested.
• Creating an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student.
• Complying with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
• Complying with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Effectively communicating with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Participating in professional development to improve skills related to the job assignment.

The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and climb stairs. Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned. May be required to lift, position, and transfer students to and from wheelchairs (30-80 pounds) or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing, carrying, and lifting up to 35 lbs.