Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Converse County School District #1 is searching for a career-oriented team player who is enthusiastic about education and improving the lives of students. Join the Bearcat Nation and experience a progressive school district committed to "Working Together to Achieve Excellence."

Benefits

• Competitive salary on the Classified Salary Schedule (Category Q), ranging from $24.00/hour to $38.50, depending on experience.
• Variety of insurance benefit packages, including district-covered life insurance plans.
• Supportive, collaborative team environment through the Professional Learning Collaboration (PLC) process.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• High-achieving extracurricular activities with opportunities to coach or sponsor in exceptional facilities.

Community Activities

• North Platte River: Excellent trout fishing, rafting, canoeing, and other recreational sports.
• Glendo Reservoir: Walleye fishing, water skiing, rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and camping.
• Laramie Peak: Big game hunting, hiking, mountain biking, and camping.
• 1 hour to downhill and cross-country skiing opportunities.
• Wyoming State Fair in Douglas, featuring rodeos and concerts.
• Eastern Wyoming Community College provides educational opportunities for staff and students.

Location

• 45 minutes from Casper, where many Wyoming High School state activities are held.
• 3 hours from Denver, Colorado, offering access to professional sports and weekend getaways.

Purpose Statement

Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR), the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) delivers occupational therapy services to students as per their IEPs and/or other relevant plans. This includes tasks designed by the OTR to assist with assessment, intervention, treatment, and activities to enhance motor, sensory, self-regulatory, and other functional abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist OTR with screening, assessments, and occupational therapy service delivery.
• Follow and implement documented IEP and other relevant plans.
• Document student progress toward meeting established objectives and report the information to the OTR.
• Assist the OTR during assessment with formal documentation.
• Prepare materials and/or equipment for use in the classroom and therapy activities.
• Adapt or modify instructional materials and/or equipment as determined by student needs and abilities for teacher use in the classroom.
• Assist in data collection, including tallying, preparing charts/graphs, record keeping, and reporting.
• Organize classroom activities, such as displaying educational materials, arranging furniture, and maintaining an orderly and clean learning environment.
• Implement behavior management programs for students as designed by certified staff, observe and report significant student behavior, patterns, and other problems to the OTR (may include de-escalation as required).
• May include assistance with adapted programs such as bowling, aquatics, and other lifetime recreational and community-based fitness activities.

Requirements

• Certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Experience working in a school setting is preferred.
• Strong organizational and communicative skills.
• Ability to collaborate with a diverse team of professionals.

Work Environment

• Based in a school setting; may require travel between different schools within the district (mileage is reimbursable).
• Works closely with the OT, students, teachers, and other school personnel to ensure successful implementation of motor therapy programs.