Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA)The job of Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) is done for the purpose of assessing students' functional development level, providing appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives, and providing recommendations for program development and student placement under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. This job reports to Director of Exceptional Student Services.Essential Functions:Adapts equipment for providing optimal positioning and increased independence for special education students.Assists Occupational Therapist in the completion of their work activities.Assists with assessing students' fine motor and development skills.Attends meetings and workshops to convey and/or receive information.Consults with various professionals and families to provide requested information and develop plans.Implements therapeutic activities as directed by an Occupational Therapist.Maintains files and records to document activities and ensure compliance.Maintains treatment equipment and supplies.Performs site visits including home visits for providing therapy and assistance.Prepares written materials to document activities and convey information.Presents information to communicate data and gain feedback.Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals.Provides training and instruction to teachers on the use of assistive devices.Reports incidents and observations to maintain student safety and adhere to policies.Transports items required for therapy sessions.Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices.Other Functions:Performs other related duties as assigned.Provides home visits and/or summer therapy services.Researches resources and methods for addressing students' functional goals.Job Requirements:Minimum Qualifications:Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:Adhering to safety practicesApplying assessment instrumentsOperating equipment used in occupational therapyOperating standard office equipment including software applicationsPreparing and maintaining accurate recordsBasic math skillsReading technical informationSolving practical problemsStudent behavior management skillsAdaptive equipment knowledgeOccupational therapy models, practices and theoriesHealth standards and hazards knowledgeJob-related codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies knowledgeKnowledge of community resourcesRecordkeeping and record retention practicesStages of child development knowledgeEducationally based treatment modalities knowledgeScheduling activitiesData gathering and classificationJob-related equipment operationFlexibility to work with others and in various circumstancesProblem solving with data and equipmentAttention to detailCommunication with diverse groupsMaintaining confidentialityTeamworkTact and courtesyEmpathy and nonjudgmentalismEstablishing and maintaining effective relationshipsMechanical aptitudeWorking with interruptionsEffective communication skillsResponsibilities:Working under direct supervision using standardized proceduresLeading, guiding, and coordinating othersOperating within a defined budgetWorking Environment:Significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pullingClimbing and balancingFrequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawlingFine finger dexteritySitting, walking, and standingTemperature extremes and risk of injury and/or illnessExperience:Job related experience requiredCommunity college and/or vocational school degree with study in job-related areaEquivalency:Certificates Continuing Educ./TrainingValid OTA licenseContinuing Education RequirementsValid Driver's License & Evidence of InsurabilityMaintains Certificates and/or LicensesClearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background ClearanceFLSA Status: Non ExemptApproval Date: May 12, 2014