Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (10+1)

TITLE: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) (10+1)

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associate's Degree or other degree from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
2. Certified as an Occupational Therapy Assistant or eligible for such certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) or its successor.
3. Current Occupational Therapy Assistant license issued by the Delaware Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
4. Experience working with students with disabilities. 
5. Knowledge or experience with data collection related to occupational therapy goals.
6. Excellent organizational and management skills.
7. Excellent oral and written communication, facilitation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

REPORTS TO: School Principal

LOCATION: To Be Determined

JOB GOAL: The Occupational Therapy Assistant implements occupational therapy programs and activities as planned and directed by the Occupational Therapist. Professional judgment and clinical knowledge are used to implement individualized programming based on occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role, interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and graphic communication. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Teaches occupational skills and knowledge to provide students with the competence to be an asset to self, others, and the world of work.
2. Assists students in learning and improving gross and fine motor tasks, coordination, perception and functional activities.
3. Assists students in activities of daily living including feeding, toileting and personal hygiene.
4. Accepts responsibility for students' personal care and environment throughout the treatment.
5. Reports regularly on functioning to support skill generalization within the school setting.
6. Develops lesson plans and organizes time to enhance therapy sessions.
7. Uses data collection and analysis to progress monitor OT goals and services.
8. Demonstrates use of appropriate occupational materials, equipment, tools, assistive technology, and processes using standard or therapist-prepared instructional aids.
9. Provides individual and group instruction appropriate to the needs of the students and the requirements of the activities being performed.
10. Controls the storage, maintenance, and use of materials and property to prevent loss or abuse.
11. Establishes and maintains standards of student conduct to provide an orderly, safe, and productive environment in an activity-type room.
12. Communicates with parents, staff, and administration on student progress.
13. Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude, and learning problems.
14. Participates in curriculum and other developmental programs.
15. Participates in faculty committees and sponsorship of student activities.
16. Maintains professional competence through participation in professional growth opportunities provided by the district and in self-selected professional growth activities.
17. Provides leadership and support in the development of appropriate benchmarks related to annual goals of students' Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
18. Provides professional development to parents, colleagues and administrators in the theory and practice of occupational therapy.
19. Other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Must have a valid driver's license and daily access to a vehicle required for travel throughout the school district. 
2. Ability to physically assist students in self-care areas and mobility/ambulation.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Ten-month annual contract with an additional 19 days (10+1) of service during summer months as approved by the direct supervisor.

EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.
 
The following are conditions of employment for new emplo