Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Specialized Student Services

Job Summary

To provide treatment therapy, as defined by the occupational therapist, to eligible students; to provide occupational training and information to teachers and staff; and to assist in the assessment of students.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide treatment therapy to eligible students to achieve specified educational objectives as defined by the occupational therapist
• Consult with teachers and occupational therapists to assist with the evaluation and potential solutions to treatment and therapy problems for students and for adherence to the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Assist in the evaluation and assessment of eligible students to determine appropriate treatment therapies to achieve objectives
• Confer with assigned occupational therapist to assist in the evaluation of students' progress and to update IEPs
• Prepare documentation (i.e. weekly attendance records, progress data collection, etc) to provide written verification and documentation of progress
• Assist in a two-person lift with students weighing up to 100 pounds between wheelchair, classroom chair, commode, floor, playground equipment, stander, classroom positioning equipment, therapy equipment, etc
• Travel between sites, as assigned, to perform therapeutic activities
• Attend assigned meetings and/or in-services to gather information needed to perform job functions
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Provide training and information to teachers and staff to assist them in the continuation of treatment of students to achieve desired skills
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications

• Accredited college graduate or technical training program for Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Valid AOTCB certification; valid license issued by the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners as a COTA
• Valid Arizona driver's license
• Developmental, pediatric of school-based experience preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability to contribute and participate in the assessment, intervention and documentation process
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently and to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with district personnel and other team members

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Works in elementary, middle, or high schools, including classrooms, therapy rooms, and sometimes playgrounds
• May be required to travel between different schools within the district
• Works closely with teachers, special education staff, OTs, and parents
• Schools can be busy, requiring the ability to manage distractions
• Therapy sessions may involve extended periods of sitting on the floor or standing
• May need to assist students with mobility challenges, which can involve lifting, transferring, or repositioning them

Employment Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Base Hourly: $28.85
Class/Calendar: C41, 9.25 months