Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational Therapist Assistant

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY AT www.ffc8.org Employment Preferred Minimum Qualifications 1. High school graduate or equivalent. 2. Certified by National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy - (Required) 3. Ability to lift 50 pounds. 4. Ability and willingness to take directions. 5. Ability and willingness to meet the needs of students. 6. Excellent references including attendance and punctuality.Job Goals The purpose of the position of Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) is to provide educationally-related occupational therapy services to students experiencing a variety of cognitive or physical challenges according to the student s Individualized Education Plan and under the clinical supervision of the Occupational Therapist. Although personnel in this position receive clinical supervision from the Occupational Therapist they are evaluated by the Department of Special Programs Administrative Staff. Essential Job Functions 1. Adapts school and classroom environment tools and materials under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist for the purpose of improving student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activities. 2. Provides input to the Occupational Therapist to assist in the assessment of students fine motor and development skills (e.g. oral motor sensory integration motor planning developmental function activities of daily living fine motor function postural tone etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations. 3. Collaborates and consults occupational therapists physical therapists speech therapists teachers educational assistants families etc. around the fine motor skills of students on caseload. 4. Under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist implements therapeutic activities and instructs students teachers parents and other involved persons (e.g. positioning adjusting special equipment etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and or supporting the student s IEP plan for use in the classroom. 5. Maintains files and or records in cooperation with the Occupational Therapist (e.g. progress reports activity logs etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and or ensuring compliance with state federal and administrative regulations. 6. Prepares written materials (e.g. activity logs progress reports observational data etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and student progress. 7. Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals. 8. Provides services at multiple work sites for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required. Work sites may change during the course of the school year to meet the needs of students across the school district or in facilities. 9. Provides training consultation and instruction to teachers on the use of adaptive devices and equipment for the purpose of ensuring such devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved. 10. Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g. computer technology etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and or providing alternative strategies. Performance Functions SKILLS are required to perform single technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include adhering to safety practices operating equipment used in occupational therapy operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications and preparing and maintaining accurate records. KNOWLEDGE based competencies that are required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include student behavior management skills adaptive equipment and occupational therapy models practices and theories. ABILITY is required to schedule activities meetings and or events gather and track student performance and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances ability to accept and utilize supervision from a variety of Occupational Therapists and supervisors and operate equipment and assistive technology devices. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include being attentive to detail communicating with diverse groups maintaining confidentiality working as part of a team displaying tact and courtesy being empathetic and nonjudgmental and establishing and maintaining effective relationships especially with students. Salary Occupational Therapist Assistants are on the Supplemental Salary Schedule. Supplemental Salary Schedule Employment Period 186 days per year - 7.5 Hour Work Day