Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cota) - 2024/2025

JOB TITLE: CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (COTA)
JOB SUMMARY: The person holding this position will assist students experiencing educational difficulties related to poor motor performance and/or sensory processing difficulties as it relates to fine motor, self-care, transitions, task completion, their IEP and their educational experience.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Relay referral requests to the occupational therapist.
• Assist in gathering, organizing and reporting assessment data; when competency has been established, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, under the direction of the Occupational Therapist, may assess students using objective assessment tools that do not require a therapist's professional judgment or training.
• Assist the educational team in developing IEP goals and objectives for students currently receiving Occupational Therapy services.
• Implement and document Occupational Therapy services under the supervision of the occupational therapist.
• Consult with, instruct, and monitor school personnel (teachers, paraprofessionals, and teacher assistants) on child specific activities and program modifications to work toward achievement of IEP goals and objectives.
• Manage equipment, schedules, workspace, therapy files and perform other tasks as needed for efficient functioning of Occupational Therapy services.
• Consult with the occupational therapist at regular intervals to review students' program and progress toward IEP goals and objectives.

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• Hold a current License from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
• Organizational skills, basic mathematical skills, basic computer skills, and communication skills are an essential part of this job.
• Knowledge of special education law, policies, and procedures
• Basic knowledge of Occupational Therapy theories, models of practice, principles, and evidenced based practice to guide intervention decisions

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Observe and assess fine motor development, perceptual development, self-help, oral motor development and sensory processing.
• Lift and move adaptive equipment.
• Maintain a flexible schedule in order to meet the needs of families and other staff.
• Operate a computer to enter data, maintain records and generate reports
• Operate modern office equipment and software.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Position requires ability associated with prolonged periods of heavy physical labor.
• Position regularly performs heavy physical labor requiring ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and move heavy objects or materials such as lifting over 50 pounds on a continuous basis; lifting over 50 lbs. maximum or carrying any object weighing over 25 lbs.
• Will be required to regularly stand; walk; and sit for extended periods
• May experience constant interruptions, inflexible deadlines, and changes to normal routines.
• The ability to communicate with various groups of people is essential. This may include communication with parents, teachers, transportation, administrators, and outside agencies.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 182 day contract
• 7.5 hours per day
• 1.95 ratio

STATUS: Exempt Support
EVALUATION: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee of this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy of evaluation for certified personnel.