Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Position Definition:  The person filling this position will provide occupational therapy treatments and therapy in accordance with the student’s Individual Education Plan, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions and activity programs, and document progress of treatment.
 
Relationship:  The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) shall be directly responsible to the Supervisor of Special Education.
 
Qualifications:
 Education/Experience:  

• Valid certification of the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, required
• Valid PA Licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, required
• Associate Degree from an accredited OTA program, required

 Skills/Knowledge:  

• Demonstrates advanced computer skills, including a thorough knowledge of Windows and the Microsoft Office Suite and proficient use of departmental Computer Software.
• Demonstrates the ability to work in a team environment.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain complete confidentiality.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated by patience, understanding, and congeniality.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to organize, plan, and manage job responsibilities in order to complete assignments with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates the ability to complete tasks with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrates the ability to make professional decisions.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge of occupational therapy treatments and activities.
• Demonstrates self-motivation as it relates to staying current with occupational therapy techniques and treatments.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the tools, techniques, and technology used for school-based therapy.
• Proficient in the use of tools and technology related to, but not limited to, occupational therapy.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity to a diverse student population and diverse stakeholders.
• Attends work regularly at assigned work hours subject to lawful leave rights and responsibilities.
• Demonstrates the skills to provide the highest level of customer service with patience and knowledge of the Department’s services.

 
Physical:

•  Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, lift, reach, and communicate (vision, hearing, and speech) to effectively carry out functions, duties, and responsibilities. 
•  Ability to independently ambulate in and around work areas.
•  Ability to travel to and from assigned work locations without employer support.
•  Ability to exhibit appropriate manual dexterity to effectively carry out functions, duties, and responsibilities.
•  Ability to conduct a safety restraint protocol which requires:

    
Authority: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will have the authority to perform all functions listed below in accordance with established policies and procedures.
 
Functions/Duties/Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function/duty/responsibility at acceptable standards. In accordance with both state and/or federal law, reasonable accommodations will be considered upon employee request.
 
Essential:

• Executes prescribed educational-based therapy recommendations and programs for students developed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Develops and implements research-based educationally relevant interventions.
• Reevaluates students annually in accordance with CLIU procedures.
• Participates in the development of the student’s IEP or 504 Plan pertinent to occupational therapy. 
• Attends IEP and other student mandated meetings.
• Follows the program established in the IEP or 504 Plan.
• Conducts educationally relevant individual and/or group occupational therapy sessions, in accordance with the Occupational Therapist treatment plan.
• Provides consultation to parents and/or teachers informally through phone or individual meetings or formally through workshops, parent program meetings, or in-service prog