COTA

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Provide supportive occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) to assist students with autism, developmental, and physical disabilities in accessing the educational curriculum and developing functional independence in school-based activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement occupational therapy interventions as outlined in individualized treatment plans (IEP) and IEP goals, under the direction and supervision of the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Provide direct therapy services to students in individual and group settings, including classrooms, therapy rooms, and other school environments.
• Support students’ development of fine motor skills, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, self-care, and school-related functional skills.
• Assist with sensory regulation, attention, motor planning, and adaptive functioning using evidence-based strategies.
• Participate in IEP meetings, team discussions, and staff consultations as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.

I. Compliance & Documentation

• Monitor student performance during therapy sessions and report progress, concerns, and observations to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided in accordance with school, district, and legal requirements.
• Adhere to professional standards, ethical guidelines, and state practice acts governing COTA practice.

II. Collaboration & Family Engagement

• Collaborate with teachers, special educators, and related service providers to carry over therapeutic strategies into the classroom and daily routines.
• Assist in adapting instructional materials, classroom tools, and activities to promote student participation and independence.
• Maintain effective communication with families, support parent training, and serve as a resource in the WSHV community.
• Support family and staff education by reinforcing strategies recommended by the Occupational Therapist.
• Support family-focused events, as appropriate.

III. Additional Responsibilities

• Promote the use of technology and evidence-based practices in service delivery.
• Contribute to creating a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Occupational Therapy Services.

• Assist with the use and care of adaptive equipment and assistive technology as directed.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education relevant to pediatric and school-based occupational therapy.

• Uphold agency policies, dress code, and time and attendance procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current New York State licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L).
• NBCOT certification for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Team player with the ability to lead and develop strong relationships with employees, students and their families.

EDUCATION

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with children with autism, developmental delays, and/or physical disabilities preferred, particularly in school or pediatric settings.
• Knowledge of school-based therapy practices, IDEA, and the IEP process within the scope of COTA practice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The employee may be required to stand, walk, stop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move, up to 50 pounds.

This position is not limited to those duties listed in the job description. Duties and responsibilities may be changed, expanded, reduced or deleted to meet the business needs of the agency.