Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative
Job Description
Position title: Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)
 
Reports to: Occupational Therapist / Special Education Administrators
 
Job Objective: The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant is responsible for implementing intervention and therapy regarding students` fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) under the direction of the Occupational Therapist.

 

Minimum

Qualifications: Valid state department of education license/certificate appropriate for the position.

1. Meets all mandated health screening requirements (e.g., negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
2. A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.

Licensure/Certification/Qualifications:

1. Associates degree required
2. Current and valid license with Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
3. Prior Experience in a school setting preferred
4. Experience assessing and selecting assistive technology in a school setting.
5. Experience implementing appropriate therapy under the direction of an Occupational Therapist.

 
 
Essential Functions: The following are typical work responsibilities. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

 

1. Adapts school and classroom environment, tools and materials under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist for the purpose of improving student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activities.
2. Assists Occupational Therapist with assessing students` fine motor, and development skills (e.g. oral motor, sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, activities of daily living, fine motor function postural tone, etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.
3. Attends meetings and workshops (e.g. IEPs, training, team meetings, conferences, meetings with outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information, including best practices for school OT delivery.
4. Consults with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, teachers, educational assistants, families, etc. for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations to implement goals.
5. Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons (e.g. positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the students IEP plan for use in the classroom.
6. Maintains files and/or records in cooperation with the Occupational Therapist (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance with various state, federal, and administrative regulations.
7. Maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals.
8. Prepares written materials (e.g. activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
9. Presents information (e.g. student performance data, clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.
10. Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures.
11. Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g. computer technology, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and/or providing alternative strategies.
12. Transports a variety of items (e.g. puzzles, games, assistive devices, assessment tools, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions.
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SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KNOWLEDGE:

1. Knowledge of FERPA and HIPPA
2. Knowledge of IDEIA and the IEP process
3. Knowledge of current testing programs and mandated assessment tools
4. Knowledge of current educational issues and best practices
5. Knowledge of effective intervention strategies
6. Ability to apply problem solving processes and creative thinking skills
7. Ability to recognize student strengths and weaknesses in communication
8. Ability to maintain accurate student records
9. Ability to analyze and interpret assessment data
10. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
11. Ability to maintain confidentiality
12. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, co-workers, administrators, and public
13. Ability to work with teachers and students to demonstrate ways of supporting students in the regular classroom
14. Ability to work with students in many non-traditional treatment settings
15. Ability to work and communicate effectively with students who have various cognitive and physical limitations
16. Ability to work with team to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate program progress and implement changes

 
Working           Safety is essential to job performance. Employees must exercise caution and comply with
Conditions:      standard safety regulations and district procedures when involved in the following situations:

 

1. Balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
2. Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
3. Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
4. Interacting with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.
5. Lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
6. Operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
7. Traveling to meetings and work assignments.

Performance

Evaluation:         Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the USD 489 Hays Public Schools Board Of Education

Apply online at:

https://www.usd489.com/page/employment

Benefits Information

Salary Information

Employer Information

 

Hays School District has about 3,000 students that are enrolled in a high school, middle school, four elementary schools, and an alternative school. The staff of Unified School District No. 489 are recognized throughout Kansas and across the nation as leaders in educational excellence.

Hays Public Schools enjoy tremendous support from the community. Through this support, USD 489 is able to offer programs like all-day, kindergarten, the smallest class sizes in the state for districts our size, and a longer school year. An extensive special education program serves children with special needs. Early childhood programs serve children and their families in a three-county area from before-birth to age six. Technology, throughout the district, is used to supplement and strengthen the instructional program. The most noticeable aspect of our technology is in our ratio of students to computers. At Hays High and the middle schools it is 1:1; and 2:1 in the elementary schools.

While doing an excellent job on the test score race, the staff continues to seek to develop the creativity, curiosity, and problem solving skills of students as well. The challenges of the future are best dealt with by applying creativity and foresight to a solid foundation. We are equipped at USD 489.

To learn more about our schools, visit our website at www.usd489.com