Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - One Year Only

POSITION TITLE: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) (One Year Only) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: As a collaborative member of the Special Education team the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the supervision of a district Occupational Therapist and provides direct or consultative services to identified students in grades preschool - fifth grade. Student services are provided in the least restrictive environment facilitating access to the general education curriculum. The COTA assists with observation and data collection and helps to develop IEP goals, objectives, and accommodations. Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist, the COTA delivers a variety of instruction designed to develop and refine fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual and sensorimotor skills, the use of assistive technology devices for access to instruction and learning, and executive functioning skills so that they can be an active participant in their role as a student. WAGE CATEGORY: Grade 6. Non-Exempt (hourly), Pay rate based on relevant experience and placement on union salary grid. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Per School Board and Support Staff Agreement if position exceeds 20 hours per week, otherwise, per current Non-Union Support Staff Handbook. REPORTS TO: Occupational Therapist, Director of Student Support Services or Designee EVALUATION: Performance in this position will be evaluated annually, in person and in writing, by the Building Principal/Designee in consultation with classroom teachers, other instructional support service teachers, coordinators and/or administrators. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Must have VT COTA licensure or be in the process of acquiring it 2. Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills. 3. Ability to Familiarity with inclusive education strategies. 4. Ability to plan student lessons and work independently with individuals and groups. 5. Commitment to the District’s Vision Plan. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES can include but are not limited to: 1. Will work under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist: 2. Work in conjunction with multidisciplinary educational teams 3. Assist the Occupational Therapist with informal assessment of developmental skills (e.g., oral motor, sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, activities of daily living to include personal hygiene, fine motor function, postural tone, etc.) to determine present levels of function, and develop recommendations 4. Attend IEP meetings for reporting purposes, special education staff meetings and building events, if requested 5. Assist the Occupational Therapist with staff consultation, IEP goals and Progress Report development 6. Follow and implement students’ IEPs and/or documented treatment plans 7. Document student progress toward meeting established objectives and report the information to therapist 8. Develop and maintain a consistent service delivery schedule 9. Adapt school and classroom environment, tools, and materials under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist to improve student function and facilitate student access to activities and learning 10. Provide inclusive occupational therapy intervention and support that is integrated into Multi Tiered Levels of Support 11. Complete job-related functions, including paperwork, in a timely manner and in compliance with special education regulations 12. Be able to move and position oneself to adequately operate therapy equipment, including lifting up to 30 lbs. 13. Demonstrates and adhere to district policies and procedures 14. Maintains confidentiality of student information and records 15. Perform all other duties as assigned WORKING CONDITIONS: 1. Noise level in work environment is quiet to moderate 2. Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 1. Frequently required to stand, walk and sit 2. Regularly required to see, talk and hear 3. Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel 4. Regularly required to handle stressful situations and resolve conflicts 5. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb steps; stoop, kneel or crouch 6. Occasionally lift, carry, move and/or restrain school aged students 7. Occasionally required to drive

Salary : $23 - $32