Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Summary:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports the delivery of occupational therapy services to students with disabilities in a center-based special education setting under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). The COTA assists students in developing the functional skills necessary for participation in educational activities daily living tasks vocational training and community-based instruction. The COTA collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to promote student independence access to curriculum and progress toward Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Essential Job Functions:

• Implement occupational therapy intervention plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist in accordance with student IEPs.
• Provide direct occupational therapy services to students individually and in small group settings.
• Support the development of fine motor skills visual-motor integration sensory processing self-care skills assistive technology use adaptive equipment use and functional life skills.
• Assist students in improving independence and participation in classroom vocational and community-based activities.
• Collaborate with teachers behavior staff speech therapists physical therapists social workers nurses and administrators to support student success.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of therapy sessions student progress and service logs.
• Assist the Occupational Therapist with data collection progress monitoring and preparation for IEP meetings and evaluations.
• Support implementation of adaptive equipment environmental modifications and assistive technology recommendations.
• Reinforce therapy strategies and accommodations within classroom and school environments.
• Participate in team meetings professional development activities and training as assigned.
• Support students during community-based instruction vocational training or transition activities as appropriate.
• Plan activities for and maintain specialized areas for student use (Exploration Station and M&M Lab).
• Follow all federal state district and professional regulations and guidelines related to occupational therapy services.
• Collaborate with Occupational Therapists on budget and order equipment for student use.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current Michigan Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license.
• Experience working with students with severe cognitive impairments autism spectrum disorder physical impairments and/or multiple disabilities preferred.
• Experience in school-based settings preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of occupational therapy practices sensory integration motor development adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
• Understanding of special education environments and IEP implementation.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow therapy plans and implement individualized interventions.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet diverse student needs and manage student behavior.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and maintain accurate documentation.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit stand bend and move between classrooms and therapy spaces by adding in (including demonstrating various positions and movements such as supine prone inversion crawling etc.) multiple times per day
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds daily (assistive equipment therapy materials student support and transfers).
• Adequate vision hearing and speech to carry out therapy and communication tasks.

Compensation and Details:

• Compensation: $27.07-$31.85 commensurate with experience.
• Schedule: Full Year This position is scheduled to work 152 days and is considered a 0.8 Full-time equivalency.
• Benefits: Full benefits package including health dental vision disability and life insurance. MPSERS provided retirement plan.
• FLSA: Non-exempt.

Notices:

Job Description Changes: Job descriptions may be subject to change based on the OAISDs needs. This is meant to describe a basic overview of qualifications role and duties. It is not an exhaustive or fully comprehensive list as other duties may be assigned.

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin sex disability age religion height weight marital or family status military status genetic information or any other legally protected category (collectively Protected Classes) in its programs and activities including employment. Civil Rights Coordinators are located at OAISD 13663 Port Sheldon St. Holland MI 49424 to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures. Telephone Ext: 4091.

Required Experience:

Junior IC