Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Fowler Elementary School District

Classification: State Certified

Salary: Full Time Benefited

Description: The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) provides occupational therapy treatment sessions and therapeutic support

to students under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist

(OT). The COTA supports eligible students enrolled in special education programs to achieve functional developmental and educational goals fostering participation in classroom and school activities.

Qualifications:

• AA degree or higher in an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• License in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA/L) issued by the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
• Additional certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (COTA) is preferred
• Valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC).
• Valid Arizona Drivers License
• Certification in CPR & First Aid from an accepted agency (ARC/AHA)
• Experience with diverse student populations
• Job related experience or clinical fieldwork in occupational therapy.
• Pediatric experience is preferred
• Experience working with school aged children for a year or more is preferred.
• Knowledge of physical therapy evaluation and treatment of children
• Knowledge of child development
• Knowledge of State and Federal guidelines regarding physical therapy and students with disabilities
• Knowledge of District policies procedures organizational structure and school requirements
• Strong knowledge of the English language including reading writing and oral communication with extensive skills in spelling punctuation and grammar
• Knowledge of Spanish including reading writing and oral communication is preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with students parents staff and administration
• Ability to comprehend and perform functions from written and verbal instructions
• Experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant working with children in an educational setting is preferred

Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Governing Board or the Superintendent may deem appropriate

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct screenings assessments and evaluations to identify student needs interpret findings and present results to the MET/IEP Team parents/guardians and relevant service providers
• Participate in the Child Find process and collaborate with school teams to ensure appropriate evaluation and identification of students requiring services
• Develop implement and monitor individualized IEPs therapy plans and intervention strategies to address identified motor sensory and functional needs
• Provide direct occupational therapy services to students as indicated on IEPs adapting interventions based on student progress and observed outcomes
• Recommend procure and design therapeutic equipment materials and specialized tools to support student participation learning and independence
• Train consult with and guide teachers classroom aides COTAs (if assigned) and other school staff on effective strategies accommodations and use of therapy tools.
• Collaborate and communicate with parents school staff and external agencies regarding student needs progress and instructional modifications or accommodations
• Monitor student response to interventions modify plans as necessary and regularly evaluate and report on student progress
• Maintain accurate thorough and ongoing records service logs and required documentation in compliance with the Arizona Occupational Therapy Practice Act Medicaid requirements and district state and federal policies
• Provide information support and education to families regarding student needs progress and therapy strategies
• Serve as a consultant and resource to school staff providing in-service education on topics such as motor planning coordination sensory processing and adaptive strategies
• Establish and maintain professional positive relationships with students school personnel families community members and vendors
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms with staff parents/guardians administrators physicians and other professionals
• Uphold high ethical standards maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional conduct in all interactions
• Participate in professional growth and development activities to remain current with best practices research and innovations in occupational therapy
• Additional job-related duties as assigned

Length of Employment:

• Nine (9) months
• Days worked will be determined by the school calendar

Reports to: Director of Exceptional Student Services

Evaluation: Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board Policy GDO

Required Experience:

Junior IC