CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (COTA)
DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist (OT) the COTA will provide therapy services to special education students from preschool through 8th grade at various school site locations. The COTA will assist the OT on a daytoday basis and will contribute to developing treatment programs aimed at improving the identified areas of function as they relate to the childs educational needs. The COTA will perform services in accordance with the IEP goals and objectives. The COTA will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to include teachers specialists and parents as it relates to the students educational needs/services/IEP. This position reports to the Director of Special Education and Psychological Services. This is a roving position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Cooperates with other staff to accomplish the Districts priorities and expectations
- Assists the OT with the development of treatment goals for students
- Implements intervention plans using tools and materials as outlined by the OT
- Communicates effectively orally and in writing to parents teachers and program staff
- Maintains equipment and supplies
- Maintains student records and files
- Prepares records and reports
- Attends meetings as appropriate
- Provides training to classroom personnel in accordance with the IEP and under the direction of the OT
- Travels to various school sites and other educational settings for the provision of services
- Performs related duties as required
- Consults with classroom teachers about upcoming assignments and necessary accommodations and modifications for students
- In collaboration with the OT models techniques and procedures for staff
- Assists in training general and special education staff on techniques to address student needs
- Consults with OT IEP team members and other appropriate staff on a regular basis
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
- Performs other jobrelated duties as assigned and may assist other personnel as required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
- Provides first aid and nonmedical assistance (e.g. changing diapers and clothing positioning students on orthopedic equipment lifting students stretching) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for ill medically fragile and/or injured students and maintaining students personal hygiene.
- Collaborates and maintains positive relationships with parents and other school professionals including school psychologists counselors teachers (special and general education) and administration to implement strategies for students.
- Maintains professional competence through participation in inservice education activities as provided by district state consultants or selfselected professional growth activities
- Knowledge of and adherence to all pertinent education codes
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
- Ability to analyze and offer alternative problem solutions
- Ability to meet physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties
- Ability to follow oral and written directions
- Ability to get along with coworkers and deal with the general public tactfully courteously and professionally
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Experience working with children with disabilities in a school setting
- Formal training in sensory integration theory and treatment techniques
- Experience working as a member of an interdisciplinary team including working collaboratively with families.
- Oral and written communication skills
- Public speaking techniques
- Collaboration skills with staff
SKILL AND ABILITY TO:
- Serve diverse needs
- Perform multiple tasks with the potential to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
- Preparing and maintaining accurate records
- Operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications
- Perform assignments independently
- Adhering to safety practices
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Plan and organize work
- Meet schedules and timelines
- Understand program goals and objectives
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Office and classroom environment
- Driving a vehicle to conduct work
PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS:
- Sit and stand for extended periods of time
- Accurate perceiving of sound near and far vision and depth perception
- Reach in all directions
- Ability to lift 25 pounds maximum and carry objects weighing 15 pounds
- Bend twist kneel and stoop
- Write legible reports
- Read notes memos and printed material
- Speak clearly and communicate effectively
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Associate of Arts Degree or equivalent. Current Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification through the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Occupational Therapy. Must maintain COTA certification throughout employment. Nonviolent Crisis Prevention (CPI) certification will be provided during employment and employee must participate in continued CPI training to maintain certification.
WORK YEAR:
The work year is one hundred ninety five 195 days plus paid holidays plus paid vacation
EOE
This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color ancestry nationality national origin immigration status ethnic group identification ethnicity age religion marital status pregnancy pregnancy status physical or mental disability sex sexual orientation gender gender identity gender expression or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Inquiries regarding compliance procedures may be directed to our personnel office.
This organization is a Drug Alcohol and TobaccoFree Workplace.
For questions or complaints contact:
Equity Compliance Officer:
Philip Pierschbacher Assistant Superintendent Personnel
600 N. Cherry 559.685.7200
Title IX Coordinator:
Philip Pierschbacher Assistant Superintendent Personnel
600 N. Cherry 559.685.7200
Section 504 Coordinator:
Tara Houston Director Educational Options
600 N. Cherry 559.685.7200