Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

School Year:
2026 -2027

Working Calendar Days:
207 Days

Salary Range:
See Professional/Technical & Administration Salary Placement Schedule

Benefited Status:
Benefited Position - Tier 1


Purpose Statement

The job of Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) is done for the purpose/s of assessing students' functional development level providing appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives; and providing recommendations for program development and student placement under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.

This job reports to Director of Exceptional Student Services

Essential Functions

• Adapts equipment (e.g. seating, tables, desks, computer hardware, etc.) for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increased independence for special education students.
• Assists Occupational Therapist (e.g. IEPs, direct therapy, consultative services, etc.) for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Assists with assessing students' fine motor and development skills (e.g. administering tests, observing students, specialized materials and equipment, etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.
• Attends meetings and workshops (e.g. IEPs, training, Multi-disciplinary team meetings, meetings with outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information.
• Consults with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapist, teachers, class assistants, families, etc. for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students' occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
• Implements therapeutic activities as directed by an Occupational Therapist and instructs 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 in the least restrictive environment.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, billings, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance.
• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies (e.g. swings, balls, puzzles, etc.) for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals.
• Performs site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.
• Prepares written materials (e.g. activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, Medicaid billings, time studies, summer activities packets, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Presents information (e.g. student performance data, and clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.
• Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures.
• Provides training and instruction to teachers on the use of assistive devices for the purpose of ensuring such devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved.
• Reports incidents and observations (e.g. suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to Education Code, administrative and/or school policies.
• Transports a variety of items (e.g. puzzles, games, swings, assistive devices, assessment tools, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions.
• Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g. computer technology, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and/or providing alternative strategies.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Provides home visits and/or summer therapy services for the purpose of delivering services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy; operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: student behavior management skills; adaptive equipment; occupational therapy models, practices and theories; health standards and hazards; job-related codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; knowledge of community resources; recordkeeping and record retention practices; stages of child development; and educationally based treatment modalities.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; displaying tact and courtesy; being empathetic and nonjudgemental; establishing and maintaining effective relationships, especially with students; displaying mechanical aptitude; working with frequent interruptions; and ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking, and 33% standing.  The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience     Job related experience is required.

Education       Community college and/or vocational school degree with study in job-related area.

Equivalency:
Certificates                                                                Continuing Educ./Training
Valid OTA license                                                        Continuing Education Requirements
Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability         Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances
Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background
Clearance

FLSA Status                       Approval Date                    
Non Exempt                          May 12, 2014