COTA - Autism School 25/26 SY

Job Description

Job Description

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Position Title: Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Supervisor: Principal
Term of Employment: 10 months
Group: 2

Job Summary:
The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) will deliver Occupational Therapy services to students in an educational setting, addressing challenges related to physical impairments, illness, psychosocial dysfunction, developmental or learning difficulties, and socioeconomic or cultural differences. The goal is to optimize functional performance, maximize independence, prevent disability, and maintain health through evaluation, treatment, environmental modification, consultation, training, and program monitoring.

Essential Functions:
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by the Certified Occupational Therapist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities generally include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Provide services to students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Work as part of a team with the goal of delivering services in students' natural environments (e.g., classroom, community).
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to schedule interventions using various service delivery models such as classroom intervention, consultation/collaboration, and pull-out services, in line with students' needs and the least restrictive environment.
• Design and implement activities that are aligned with students' interests and aptitudes.
• Utilize a variety of equipment, materials, devices, and aids.
• Apply evidence-based intervention strategies to deliver effective Occupational Therapy services.
• Determine the most appropriate service delivery model based on the severity of students' needs.
• Provide feedback and reinforcement to students in a positive and supportive manner.
• Assist students using augmentative and adaptive communication strategies and devices.
• Create lesson plans and facilitate individual or group therapy activities focused on achieving IEP goals, incorporating curriculum-based materials whenever possible.
• Assist in data collection and monitoring student progress.
• Manage a caseload of students under the supervision of a certified Occupational Therapist (OT).
• Support OT with clerical tasks and maintain accurate documentation, including student files.
• Support classroom curriculum by reinforcing OT-related skills.
• Provide written information and resources to teachers, parents, and others on how to support OT services.
• Coach classroom staff on implementing OT goals effectively.
• Engage in both formal and informal discussions with teachers about students' progress and needs.
• Attend parent conferences and IEP meetings with the supervising OT's permission and documentation. Changes in treatment plans or data interpretation must be approved by the OT.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of disabling conditions that affect students’ educational performance, including conditions that occur before and after birth.
• Understanding of the educational system and its components, including federal and state regulations and ethical/legal responsibilities relevant to occupational therapists in the educational setting.
• Familiarity with treatment procedures, theories, and research regarding occupational therapy for children (3–22) with disabilities.
• Ability to assess students' functional performance and determine appropriate evaluations, strategies, and interventions.
• Ability to interpret assessment results and create effective therapeutic intervention plans.
• Proficiency in communicating effectively with educational personnel, parents, local/state agencies, and the community.
• Ability to engage in consensus decision-making during the IEP process to create appropriate IEP goals and objectives.
• Skill in planning and implementing intervention strategies that meet students' needs in the least restrictive environment.
• Ability to evaluate, modify, and document the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions.
• Commitment to continuing professional development and staying informed about new practices, techniques, and tools.
• Knowledge of Victory Autism Academy’s policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, students, parents, and others within the community.
• Proficiency in operating a computer and using various software applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have graduated from an accredited university with a degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Must hold a current license from the Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint and background clearance check.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Arizona driver’s license.
• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• May be required to lift students weighing up to 60 pounds.
• May be required to work outside normal working hours.
• May be required to travel to perform work functions.