Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) (District Pool)

DEFINITION

The C.O.T.A. assists the Certified Occupational Therapist with planning and implementing therapeutic plans for students with related service needs on their I.E.P.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.

This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class).

TASKS :

Adapts school and classroom environment, tools and materials under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist for the purpose of improving student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activities;

assists Occupational Therapist with assessing student’s fine motor, and development skills (e.g. oral motor, sensory integration, motor planning, development function, activities of daily living, fine motor function postural tone, etc.

for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.

Implements therapeutic activities and instruct students, teachers, parents and other involved persons (e.g. positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.

for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and / or supporting the student’s IEP plan for use in the classroom;

maintains file and / or records in cooperation with the Occupational Therapist (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, etc.

• for the purpose of documenting activities and / or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance with various state, federal, and administrative regulations;
• maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition for the purpose of implementing motor / therapy goals;
• prepares written materials (e.g. activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and / or conveying information;

performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS :

Knowledge of the Federal and local legislation regulations, policies, and procedures that mandate and effect school-based occupational therapy services.

Knowledge of District and Department policies and procedures.

Knowledge of the evaluation, intervention planning, and intervention processes.

Knowledge of educational therapy standards, principles, and practices.

Skill in recognizing occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role / interactive skills, process skills, plays, community integration / work, and graphic communication.

Skill in working with school-age students.

Skill in creating and maintaining positive relationships.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Work is performed in an indoor environment. Work requires frequent sitting, standing, bending, repetitive motion, vision to monitor and lifting up to 25 pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Completion of a two (2) year program which results in certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Depending on the needs of the District, some incumbents in this class must be able to demonstrate fluency in both Spanish and English as a condition of employment.