Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

POSITION SUMMARY

The certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports students in developing the skills necessary to participate effectively in the educational environment. Working under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), the COTA implements therapy plans and assists students in achieving academic, functional, and developmental goals. This roe focuses on enhancing students' independence and access to school activities.

Disclaimer: The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional position specific duties.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSBIBILITES

• Carry out individualized therapy plans developed by the Occupational Therapist
• Provide one-on-one and small group interventions for students with disabilities or developmental delays
• Support development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sensory processing, and self-care abilities
• Assist students in improving participation in classroom activities and school routines
• Utilize adaptive equipment and strategies such as pencil grips, seating supports, and visual schedules
• Track and document student progress toward Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals
• Maintain accurate records of therapy sessions and student outcomes
• Communicate observations and progress updates to supervising Occupational Therapist
• Assist in preparing progress reports and documentation for IEP reviews
• Work collaboratively with teachers, special education staff, school psychologists, and related service providers
• Support the adaptation of classroom materials and environments to meet student needs
• Participate in IEP meetings by providing input and observations (und OT guidance)
• Emphasize educational access and functional performance within the school setting
• Support students in achieving independence and success in academic tasks and daily school activities
• Conduct therapy sessions in classrooms or designated therapy spaces
• Modify assignments, tools, and activities for accessibility
• Assist students during transitions and structured activities
• Set up, maintain, and organize therapy materials and equipment
• Observe and report student performance and behaviors

KNOWLDEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Patience and ability to work effectively with diverse student populations
• Creativity in adapting activities and problem-solving
• Ability to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organizational and documentation skills

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
• Certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) (NBCOT)
• Current state licensure as required
• Experience working with children or in a school/special education setting preferred

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 the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit and occasionally stand and walk. The employee may be required to move ten pounds and could occasionally lift or move up to twenty-five pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Indoor office environment. This position regularly works indoors. The noise level in the work environment generally quiet to moderate and may become excessively noisy at times. This is a school-based setting (classrooms, therapy rooms, and other educational spaces). May involve working with students with a range of physical, developmental, and behavioral needs. Will have contact with staff and the public

*****Internal candidates must submit a request for transfer form signed by your site administrator within 5 working days of the posting date. ******

$28.35 - 9 Month Position - 40 hours/week


Employees hired into this position are required to submit a copy of their social security card to the department of Exceptional Student Services in order to bill Medicaid.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY


Discrimination against an otherwise qualified individual with a disability or any individual by reason of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin, is prohibited. Efforts will be made in recruitment and employment to ensure equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons.