Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Position Goal

To support the licensed occupational therapist in delivering appropriate school-based therapy services to eligible students under the direct supervision of the licensed therapist. These services may include assessing progress, training and assistance with program development and implementation, data collection, consultation, accessing adaptive materials and attendance at IEP meetings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists occupational/physical therapist with monitoring levels of functioning and progress toward goals.
• Adapts school and classroom environment, tools, and materials under the supervision of the occupational/physical therapist for the purpose of improving student access to learning.
• Assists the occupational/physical therapist in the development and implementation of therapy programs.
• Collects and records data on therapy programs.
• Maintains on-going communication with the occupational/physical therapist regarding student progress, status of therapy equipment and effectiveness of occupational/physical therapy programs.
• Assists occupational/physical therapist in design, modification, adaptation and procurement of adaptive equipment.
• Attends required IFSP/IEP meetings as appropriate, completes OI billing documentation, writes progress notes.
• Manages student behavior during therapy.
• Makes home visits as necessary.
• Respects confidential information.
• Maintains regular attendance in order to preserve the continuity of service delivery for the program.
• Performs duties in a manner reasonably expected and generally recognized by the profession.
• Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with SOESD employees, education agency representatives and other stakeholders.
• Participate in trainings and professional development.
• Participate in team meetings, and other committee meetings regarding program activities.
• Follow established SOESD policies and procedures.
• Perform physical requirements unaided or with assistance of a reasonable accommodations (see next page).
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of accredited Occupational or Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
• Meets COTA/PTA licensing requirements of the OT/PT Therapy Licensing Boards, State of Oregon.
• Experience working with children who experience disabilities preferred.
• An understanding of school-based therapy services and/or experience working in pediatrics preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, certification and training/education, deemed by the district, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this job may be used as an alternative to this prerequisite.

Pay and Schedule

• Length of Position: 190 days (academic year) calendar
• Salary: Per classified bargaining agreement $26.93-$32.26 /hr for the 2026-2027 school year.

Benefits

For .50 FTE and over:

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to $2,182.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays
• A generous sick, vacation and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.
• Health Insurance OEBB MODA – Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance. Monthly premium deducted pre-tax. Options: Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts – medical, day-care expenses.
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity.
• 403(b)
• Mercy Flights Membership

Physical Requirements

The following physical requirements are essential functions of this position:

• Stand/Walk: 6-8 hours/day
• Sit/Sit on Floor: 1-4 hours/day
• Drive: 1-4 hours/day
• Bending: Frequently
• Squat: Frequently
• Climb Stairs: Occasionally
• Single Grasping: Occasionally
• Pushing: Occasionally
• Pulling: Occasionally
• Fine Manipulation: Frequently
• Repetitive Foot Control: Limited
• Lifting (less than 25 lbs): Occasionally
• Lifting (25-50 lbs): Occasionally
• Lifting (50-75 lbs): Occasionally
• Lifting (75-100 lbs): Occasionally
• Shift Position Quickly: Occasionally
• Strength/Endurance: Occasionally