Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

POSITION:  Certified and Licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA/L)

PURPOSE:    Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)- the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) assists in supplementing- enhancing and providing occupational therapy services by completing a variety of tasks such as- but not limited to- assessments- interventions- treatment and activities to enhance motor- sensory- self-regulatory and other functional skills. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Associates degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Valid Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification from the time of appointment and must maintain current certification throughout employment in this classification.
• Current License in the state of Kansas through the KS Board of Healing Arts.
• COTA experience in a school-based or pediatric setting.
• All required documents- including copy of license- on file at the district office.

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Special Education for the Tonganoxie Basehor Linwood Special Education Cooperative

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Occupational therapy equipment- materials- and procedures.
• Current occupational therapy methodologies.
• Typical child development.
• Learning styles in children.
• Student behavior management techniques and strategies.
• Dealing effectively with behavior management.
• Effective time management.
• Effective selection- preparation and presentation of materials.
• Collecting and maintaining student data and progress documentation.
• Competency performing a variety of screening tools- protocols and forms of documentation.
• Effective implementation of therapy goals and objectives.
• Ability to help compile reports and maintain records.
• Effective and tactful communication in both oral and written forms to ensure successful interaction with parents- students- supervisor- school staff and community agency representatives.
• Modification and differentiation of lessons to meet students needs and progress (with guidance from OTR/L).
• Consultation with OTR/L when student’s progress is not consistent.
• Development and monitoring of carry over activities with classroom teacher/staff and home.
• Development and implementation of creative- appropriate lessons/materials to ensure progress towards student IEP goals.
• Working with students individually and in small groups.
• Development of schedules for student services that meet IEP requirements.
• Ability to consult with team members and assist with training of staff with OT relevant information. 
• Participate in team meetings and potentially parent/IEP meetings. 
• Ability to be flexible and cover needed treatment when the OTR is unavailable due to meetings- etc. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:  Physical and emotional ability and dexterity to perform required work and move about as needed in the work environment. Regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job is required.

To perform this job successfully- an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge- skill- and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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