CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

(COTA)

Full TimeJOB DESCRIPTIONPosition:

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Goal:

To provide direct occupational therapy services to identified students, helping them make progress toward established educational goals and IEP objectives under the guidance and clinical supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist . The COTA assists with data collection, maintains accurate records, and collaborates with the educational team to implement accommodation strategies.

Supervision:

Reports administratively to the Director of Pupil Services and receives clinical supervision from the licensed District Occupational Therapist.

Education, Work Experience, and Licensure:

Required:

Associates degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from an accredited program.

Valid license to practice as a COTA in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Acceptable C.O.R.I. and fingerprint report as determined by the Superintendent.

Preferred:

Prior work experience as a COTA in a pediatric or school-based setting.

Competency in the use of current related educational technology.

Performance Responsibilities:

Provides direct individual and small group occupational therapy services in accordance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or established 504 Plans under the direction of the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Assists the Occupational Therapist with student screenings, data collection, and functional observations.

Contributes clinical observations and progress data to help the supervising Occupational Therapist evaluate student needs and update treatment plans.

Coordinates regularly with the supervising Occupational Therapist regarding student caseloads, performance, and scheduling.

Participates in case conferences, special education team meetings, and faculty meetings on a before or after school basis when assigned.

Works collaboratively with school administration, faculty, staff, and parents to share therapeutic strategies and support student participation within school routines.

Identifies student functional needs and collaborates with classroom teachers to implement environmental modifications or adaptive equipment.

Communicates regularly with parents and school personnel on the daily progress of students in coordination with the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Assists general and special education staff in the development and implementation of classroom accommodations as outlined by the IEP team.

Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the school and through self-selected professional growth activities required for licensure renewal.

Documents student progress, maintains accurate logs of therapy sessions, and compiles data needed for Medicaid billing or regulatory compliance.

Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the supervising Occupational Therapist or school administration. Special Knowledge/Ability Required for the

Position:

Must be able to work collaboratively with faculty and parents/guardians to promote the educational development of students.

Has the ability to interact respectfully with teachers, parents, students, and community members to promote a positive view of the school.

Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team to promote goals of the school districtMust be able to drive in order to support services or travel between school sites if required.

Must be able to safely use and maintain standard therapeutic equipment and assistive technology devices.

Must be able to handle multiple therapeutic tasks or groups safely and efficiently.

Must be able to organize time and document sessions efficiently.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires a moderate amount of walking, standing, sitting, climbing stairs, and ladders when necessary.

Activities include moderate physical exertion in body movement, such as reaching, bending, twisting, grasping, pushing, and pulling objects.

This position requires lifting and transferring students or lifting objects of 30 pounds on a frequent basis and over 30 pounds occasionallyFrequent fine manipulation associated with the use of a computer, keyboard, or therapeutic tools.

Environmental Conditions:

The employee must be able to work in various settings, such as indoors, outdoors, or in the community.

Job RequirementsCORI/Fingerprinting required.

At least 1-2 years of relevant pediatric or educational experience preferred.

Associates degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant required.

Individual Contract Contact Information:

Nicole Heroux, Director of Pupil Services387 East State StreetGranby, Massachusetts 01033

Phone:

(413) 493-5100

Email:

nheroux@granbyschoolsma.net