COTA- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant- COTAAn employee in this class assists in the process of screening and evaluation, and the development and implementation of intervention services under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. The occupational therapy assistant works with students identified with or suspected of having disabilities that interfere with their ability to perform daily life activities and participate in necessary and desired occupations. The assistant is expected to implement individually designed interventions based on occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role/interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and graphic communication. The interventions are planned with the supervising occupational therapist. The occupational therapy assistant is expected to review outcomes and modify intervention programs in coordination with the supervising occupational therapist. Errors in service could result in serious harm to students and potential liability for the school system, the supervising occupational therapist, and the assistant. The supervising occupational therapist defines the level of supervision required in the work environment based on recommendations by The North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy.QualificationsSuccessful completion and graduation from an accredited associate's degree Occupational Therapy Assistant program recognized by NBCOT and completion of all fieldwork requirements.Two years of experience as an occupational therapy assistant, preferably in pediatrics.DutiesAssists in the process of screening and evaluation, and the development and implementation of intervention services under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.Works with students identified with or suspected of having disabilities that interfere with their ability to perform daily life activities and participate in necessary and desired occupationsImplements individually designed interventions based on occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role/interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and graphic communication.The interventions are planned with the supervising occupational therapist.Reviews outcomes and modify intervention programs in coordination with the supervising occupational therapist.Knowledge/SkillsKnowledge of basic features of main occupational therapy theories, models of practice, principles, and evidence-based practice.General knowledge of human development throughout the lifespan.Ability to articulate the role of the occupational therapy assistant and the occupational therapist in the evaluation, intervention planning, intervention process.Ability to articulate the difference between occupation and activity.Ability to analyze tasks relative to areas of occupation, performance skills, activity demands, context(s), and student factors to implement the intervention plan.Ability to recognize occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role/interactive skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and graphic communication.Ability to articulate the influence of socio-cultural, socioeconomic, and diversity factors on student occupational performance.General knowledge of the federal, state, local legislation, regulations, policies and procedures that mandate and affect school-based occupational therapy services. Skill in gathering screening and evaluation data, completing checklists, histories, and interviews.Ability to select, adapt, and sequence relevant occupations and purposeful activities that support intervention goals.Ability to provide occupationally based interventions to achieve student participation in school environments.Skill in effective oral and written communication.Ability to maintain safe environments, equipment, and materials.Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and progress notes.Benefits AvailableApplications will be accepted until position is filled.The Jackson County Public School System is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any person in hiring, tenure, or promotion on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age or handicaps in any of its education or employment programs or activities. Assignments are made in accordance with the needs of the school system and are subject to change.