Certified Occupational Therapist - Assistant (COTA)

JOB TITLE:

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

WAGE/HOUR STATUS:

Exempt

REPORTS TO:

Director of Special Education

DEPT./SCHOOL

Special Education

DATE REVISED:

April 2023

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Provide direct occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist for students with disabilities to support the student’s IEP plan for use in the classroom.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Associate’s degree in occupational therapy or equivalent
• Valid Texas license as an occupational therapy assistant issued by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to implement occupational therapy treatment programs as specified by occupational therapy plan of care
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)

Experience:

Two months experience in occupational therapy and contact with school\-age children

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Occupational Therapy Services

• Provide occupational therapy services as specified in the occupational therapy plan of
• Collect data according to established procedures to assist occupational therapist in screening students as possible candidates for occupational therapy
• Assist occupational therapist to revise short\-term student
• Assist with instructing teachers, staff, and parents in use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology programs or devices, and integration of therapy goals into the educational
• Interact with student regarding student’s condition, progress, and/or achievement of goals during each therapy
• Communicate with parents regarding individual students as directed by the occupational
• Attend planning meetings and participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee (ARD) meetings as directed by the occupational
• Assist with acquisition and maintenance of therapy equipment and

Clerical

• Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other documents required including accurate student records and progress notes.

Compliance

• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, State Board of Education rule, and board Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Maintain

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension

Lifting: Regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non\-ambulatory students

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; district\-wide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

School district employees may be required to work from home and use their personal electronic devices.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.