Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Essential Functions

• Promote independence in activities of daily living (including dressing and feeding) through problem solving, suggesting adaptations and observation of the student.
• Observe, problem solve and suggest positioning techniques to enhance educational participation and maximize function.
• Consult and assist classroom staff through gathering and sharing information at team meetings when requested.
• Discuss and exchange information about the students assigned with the occupational therapist.
• Utilize task analysis to suggest techniques to the educational team with regard to feeding, activities of daily living, pre-writing, pre-cutting, and other skills needed for school performance.
• Implement the individualized/small group therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist based on goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues and parents in order to share information and expertise to plan and implement effective student programs.
• Assist occupational therapist in determining extent to which goals and objectives are being met by collecting and maintaining data on individual student goals.
• Aid in formulating new goals based on data analysis.
• Absorb appropriate roles as adult model, behavior manager and educator.
• Continue professional growth.
• Assume other duties and special projects as assigned.

General Responsibilities

• Support Governing Board Policy, Goals and Objectives
• Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stoop, reach, stand, walk, lift, pull, push, grasp, talk, hear, see and use repetitive motions, While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. 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 and interact with the public and other staff.

Education and/or Experience

• Graduation from an accredited program for occupational therapy assistants.
• Must possess current licensure as an occupational therapist assistant by the State of Arizona.
• Two years of experience as a therapist assistant or an equivalent combination of education and experiences (especially in educational setting is preferred).