COTA - Occupational Therapy

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports students with disabilities and developmental delays by implementing occupational therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). The COTA assists students in developing the skills necessary to participate successfully in educational activities and school routines, promoting independence, access to the curriculum, and achievement of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Services are provided in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Colorado Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA), Colorado Department of Education (CDE) guidelines, district policies, and professional occupational therapy standards.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

Implementing occupational therapy treatment plans and interventions developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Providing direct occupational therapy services to individual students and small groups in accordance with IEP goals and service plans.

Assisting students in developing fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, self-care, executive functioning, and functional school participation skills.

Supporting students in accessing educational environments and participating in classroom activities.

Utilizing adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and therapeutic techniques as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Delivering occupational therapy services as a related service under IDEA and Colorado ECEA requirements.

Supporting implementation of accommodations and modifications that facilitate student participation in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Assisting students in developing skills needed for educational access, participation, and independence within school routines and activities.

Monitoring student progress and documenting therapy sessions, observations, and outcomes.

Supporting students ages birth through 21, as appropriate within district special education programs.

Collaboration and consultation include:

Collaborating with Occupational Therapists, teachers, special education staff, administrators, related service providers, and families to support student success.

Assisting in implementing classroom accommodations and modifications related to occupational therapy recommendations.

Participating in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and other educational planning meetings as requested.

Providing feedback regarding student performance and progress to the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Collaborating with school teams to identify barriers to student participation and assist with implementation of intervention strategies.

Providing training and support to educational staff regarding occupational therapy recommendations as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Documentation and compliance include:

Maintaining accurate, timely, and confidential records in compliance with district policies, IDEA, FERPA, Colorado ECEA requirements, and state regulations.

Collecting and organizing data related to student progress toward therapy goals.

Assisting with scheduling therapy sessions and maintaining service logs.

Maintaining documentation required for special education compliance, Medicaid reimbursement (when applicable), and district reporting requirements.

Ensuring therapy materials, equipment, and treatment areas are safe, clean, and properly maintained.

Complying with all Colorado Department of Education (CDE), Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), district policies, and professional standards.

Professional responsibilities include:

Adhering to ethical and professional standards established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), NBCOT, and Colorado licensure requirements.

Maintaining required certification, licensure, and continuing competency requirements.

Participating in district training, professional development activities, and staff meetings.

Demonstrating effective communication, professionalism, and positive working relationships with students, families, and staff.

Staying current with best practices in pediatric and school-based occupational therapy services.

Qualifications include:

Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Current Occupational Therapy Assistant license issued by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Ability to work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist in accordance with Colorado laws and regulations.

Experience working with children or adolescents.

Knowledge of child development, disabilities, and educational service delivery models.

Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel.

Successful completion of all required background checks, fingerprinting, and district employment requirements. Delta County School District 50J