Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapist AssistantLocated in beautiful southeast Arizona, Sierra Vista Unified School District is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join our PreK-12 team! Award-Winning District * 5 Outstanding Schools * Competitive Salaries * Incentives * Paid Holidays & Leave * Exceptional Employee Benefits & Resources * Culture of Caring & SupportThe Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) licensing in Arizona is regulated by the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners. The following are the qualifications for the COTA licensing:Complete a two-year program from an accredited OT program and graduate with an Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant.Complete at least 680 hours of supervised field experience.Obtain a passing score on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapist (NBCOT) COTA Exam.Qualifications:Current Arizona Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant LicenseSchool-based COTA experience, preferredAbility to obtain a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance CardAbility to obtain National Provider Identifier (NPI) Number to participate in the Medicaid School Based Claiming ProgramHave knowledge, skill and or experience in the implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) strategies or be willing to receive training in those strategiesKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:Ability to demonstrate strong leadership skillsStrong organizational and record-keeping skillsAbility to communicate effectively verbally and in writingAbility to work independently and to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with district personnel and other team membersAbility to follow written and/or verbal instructionsAbility to demonstrate interpersonal and problem-solving skills to address challenges related to special education servicesAbility to demonstrate exceptional customer service skillsAbility to maintain accurate records and reports and work with and secure the cooperation of studentsAbility to operate computer equipment for email communications, word processing, data management, and other assigned tasks as related to the positionAbility to apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situationsUtilize, with fidelity, the District Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program at the building levelAttention to detail for IEPs and program documentationEmpathy, patience, and a genuine passion for working with students with disabilitiesAbility to understand and maintain students' and parents' rights to confidentiality and not violate those rights; nor discuss students in inappropriate places or with anyone not in direct contact with such individual studentsEnsure information obtained through the course of duties associated with this position, is held in the highest of confidentialityPerform all duties in accordance with Federal and State laws, district procedures, and Board policies, including mandatory reporting proceduresPrimary Duties and Responsibilities:Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services to eligible students in compliance with the Individual Education Program (IEP), established practices and proceduresProvide treatment therapy to eligible students to achieve specified educational objectives as defined by the IEP team under the supervision of a certified occupational therapistMaintain timely therapy notes, files and/or records in cooperation with the Occupational Therapist (e.g. student performance data, progress reports, activity logs, Medicaid billing) to document activities and/or ensure compliance with various state, federal, and administrative regulationsAttend meetings and workshops (e.g. IEPs, training, team meetings, conferences, meetings with outside agencies) to convey and/or receive information, including best practices for school OT deliveryAdapt school and classroom environment, tools and materials under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist to improve student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activitiesConsult with teachers and other therapists to assist with the evaluation and potential solutions to treatment and therapy concerns for students and for adherence to the IEPEnsure regular and on-time attendance to ensure services are providedCollaborate closely with teachers and site administrationPhysical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to reach with hands and arms, sit, stand, walk, stoop, and bend as necessary for student learning and safetyThe employee may lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing a minimum of 50 to 75 pounds, frequentlyMay lift and assist students as necessaryThe employee will read correspondence and computer screens, and use the telephoneWork Environment:Indoor school building and classroom environment and ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activitiesThe noise level in the work environment is generally moderate and may become excessively noisy at timesWill have contact with students, staff and the publicOrganizational Relationships:The Director of Exceptional Student Services will evaluate performance of this position in accordance with the provisions of the Governing Board Policy on Evaluation of Certified PersonnelThe Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant will interact cooperatively with all other staff positionsAll elements of good human relations will be practicedTerms of Employment:Initial Wage Placement PlanSchool Year - 9 Month ContractBenefits:SVUSD offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options available at an additional cost to employees. Benefits also include paid leave, paid holidays, paid life insurance, and an equal contribution to the Arizona State Retirement plan.