Job Overview of Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant provides direct occupational therapy services to children attending the Orchard School. The therapy services, supervised by a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR), focus on improving the ability of the student to regulate their bodies, cope with sensory processing disorders, develop or strengthen daily living and classroom skills, and other services identified in their IEP goals and objectives.

The COTA also provides screenings as directed by the OTR, supervises sensory rooms in the school and in the cottages as needed, and supports the OTR in the development, implementation, and coordination of the occupational therapy program at Andrus’s Orchard School program. The COTA is responsible for assisting the OTR, in the screening and assessments, coordination of the provision of occupational therapy services and also providing services directly, ensuring the optimal usage of our sensory rooms (with both calming and sensory integration goals), and teaching students the fundamentals of self-regulation and basic occupational therapy strategies.

The COTA will also collaborate with other disciplines and departments and provide progress notes and other reports as needed. The COTA is expected to participate actively as a treatment team member, to collaborate effectively with the clinical, school, and at times the residential team, and to modify intervention programs when directed.

Schedule of Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant:

This position is a 12-month position, schedule based on Orchard School Calendar with mandated six-week summer program.

Hours: 8:00AM-3:45 PM, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. Wed: 8:00:AM until 5:00 PM

Essential Duties of Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Key duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides OT services related to student IEP goals and objectives.
• Effectively manages caseload
• Provides OT screening as directed and supervised by OTR
• Completion of daily treatment notes, quarterly progress notes and annual reports as required.
• Provides appropriate interventions that comply with the IEP goals Communicates student progress towards goals.
• Able to manage time well efficiently while working effectively with others on the team.
• Effectively supervises sensory rooms and provides leadership in ANDRUS’ body regulation initiative.
• Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to further the understanding of the interventions and modifications
• Provides support to teachers, cottage programs, and clinicians wherever possible regarding students OT needs and interventions
• Develops unified strategies for treatment
• Demonstrates flexibility and accommodation in unplanned or crisis situations.
• Actively participates in team discussions and cooperates follow through on plans.
• Safely manages all aspects of job responsibilities: Follows all lock up and security procedures
• Maintains a safe & hazard–free work area. Effectively monitors facilities & equipment for cleanliness and hazards. Raises concerns when appropriate.
• Identifies potential program risks and brings these issues to the attention of the appropriate people immediately.

Essential Qualifications of Certified Occupational Assistant

Key qualifications include:

• New York State certification as a COTA
• At least one year of related experience working with children who have self-regulation challenges, trauma histories, or are on the autism spectrum.
• Solid Oral and Written Communication Skills.

Physical Requirements of Certified Occupational Assistant

• Must possess the ability to sit, stand, walk, run, climb stairs and lifts weights of up to 30lbs.
• Candidates who are successfully hired must participate in our Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training which concludes with a written and verbal test, and you will be evaluated on conducting proper physical restraint.

The employee must be able to meet these requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts Andrus’ right to modify the duties/responsibilities of this job at any time, with or without advanced notice.

EEO Statement

Andrus is an equal opportunity employer.