Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Camino Nuevo Charter Academy (CNCA) is a community of high-performing public schools that utilizes a comprehensive approach to prepare students from preschool through high school for success in college and in life. We integrate academic rigor, community, family, and wellness to empower students to thrive in a culturally connected and changing world. Founded in 2000, Camino Nuevo Charter Academy students represent the neighborhood of MacArthur Park west of downtown Los Angeles, a community that is one of the most under-resourced and densely populated neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Currently, CNCA has six campuses that serve approximately 3,500 students from TK through 12th grade.

Organizational Leadership Capacities

We believe that every individual who works at the Camino Nuevo Charter Academy Home Support Office must embody key mindsets and possess foundational skills to contribute to the organizational leadership of the organization.

Mindsets

• Commitment to and belief in CNCA's mission and vision
• Belief in and embodiment of the CNCA Anchors in all aspects of the work
• Commitment to the vision of a progressive, socially-just education and is able to inspire others towards that vision
• Solution orientation and belief in supporting others to be the same
• Commitment to an asset-based, capacity-building approach
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
  
  

Skills

• Ability to support an inclusive, positive and high performing culture
• Ability to take ownership in the day-to-day and overall success of the organization
• Ability to think critically, use sound judgment and problem solve
• Ability to work independently and proactively and to seek support and guidance when appropriate
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with an ability to prioritize competing projects in a fast-paced, fluid environment
• Effective collaboration with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Respect, humility and discretion to work effectively with all stakeholders, including colleagues, families and members of the community
• Strong self-awareness and ability to reflect
  
  

The Opportunity

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant will primarily implement the therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist in order meet each student's individual needs according to goals contained in the student's individualized education plan (IEP). The COTA will work with children across multiple sites in grades PreK-12.

Responsibilities

• Implement therapeutic activities under the direction of the occupational therapist for the purpose of meeting the students' needs including development of fine motor, visual motor, and sensory skills
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and special education providers for the purpose of developing plans for services, providing education regarding accommodations, and making recommendations
• Assist occupational therapist in determining extent to which goals and objectives are being met by collecting and maintaining data on individual student goals
• Maintain regular contact with occupational therapist to review caseloads and services to students
• Adapt classroom environment, tools, and materials under the supervision of the occupational therapist in order to improve student functioning and facilitate student access to curricular activities
• Document therapy received and records progress; prepares reports in collaboration with the occupational therapist and completes progress to goal reports accordingly
• Assist occupational therapist in formulating new goals based on data analysis
• Participates in professional growth activities in special education and pediatric occupational therapy as appropriate
  
  

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Camino Nuevo Charter Academy (CNCA) prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying in educational programs, activities, or employment on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, parental, pregnancy, family or marital status, military status or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Camino Nuevo Charter Academy requires that school personnel take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so when he or she witnesses an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Questions or complaints of alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying, equity or Title IX equity and compliance concerns should be directed to Margarita Domingo, Vice President of Human Resources. She can be reached at (213) 417-3410 or by mail at 3435 W Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026

Qualifications

• Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Current and valid license with California Board of Occupational Therapy
• Spanish and English fluency preferred
• Valid and appropriate California Driver's License
• Valid vehicle liability insurance
• Experience or commitment working on a team as well as across teams
• Ability to work independently and in a team in a fast-paced environment required
• Ability to understand and navigate the political, social, economic, legal and cultural context facing urban charter schools and the students they serve
• Ability to handle confidential information discretely and professionally
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to use discretion and exercise sound judgment
• Critical thinker and problem-solver
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to exercise appropriate initiative and work independently
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Promotes positive collaboration and relationship building among all stakeholders