1. Title Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

2.    Job Goal           

To provide treatment therapy, as defined by the occupational therapist, to eligible students; to provide occupational training and information to teachers and staff; and to assist in the assessment of students.

• Qualifications

• Accredited college graduate or technical training program for Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Valid AOTCB certification; valid license issued by the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners as a COTA
• Valid Arizona driver's license
• Developmental, pediatric of school-based experience preferred
• Ability to contribute and participate in the assessment, intervention and documentation process
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently and to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with district personnel and other team members

• Performance Responsibilities

• Provide treatment therapy to eligible students to achieve specified educational objectives as defined by the occupational therapist
• Consult with teachers and occupational therapists to assist with the evaluation and potential solutions to treatment and therapy problems for students and for adherence to the Individual Education Plan {IEP)
• Assist in the evaluation and assessment of eligible students to determine appropriate treatment therapies to achieve objectives
• Confer with assigned occupational therapist to assist in the evaluation of students' progress and to update IEPs
• Prepare documentation (i.e. weekly attendance records, progress data collection, etc) to provide written verification and documentation of progress
• Assist in a two-person lift with students weighing up to 100 pounds between wheelchair, classroom chair, commode, floor, playground equipment, stander, classroom positioning equipment, therapy equipment, etc
• Travel between sites, as assigned, to perform therapeutic activities
• Attend assigned meetings and/or in-services to gather information needed to perform job functions
• Provide training and information to teachers and staff to assist them in the continuation of treatment of students to achieve desired skills
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities

• Physical Requirements  

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to fifty (50) pounds, such as boxes, supplies, etc. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and to interact with the public and other staff.
2. The physical demands described here are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Working Environment  

1. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to moderately high during the school day. There may be periods of recurring stress in the performance of this job.
2. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Reports To           

1. Special Programs Director

• Evaluation

Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on evaluation of support staff members