Therapist Assistant; COTA

Position Title:

Therapy Assistant

STATUS:
Classified - Non-Exempt, Full Time

The job of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) was established for the purpose of assessing students’ functional development level; providing appropriate occupational therapy services to meet individual student objectives; and providing recommendations for program development and student placement geared toward improving the student’s ability to successfully function in the educational environment. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

• Adapts equipment (e.g. seating, tables, desks, computer hardware, etc.) for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increased independence for special education students.
• Assists Occupational Therapist for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Assists with assessing students' fine motor and development skills (e.g. administering tests, observing students, etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.
• Attends meetings and workshops (e.g. educational team meetings, district level approved in-services, meetings with outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information.
• Consults with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapist, teachers, class assistants, families, etc. for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students' occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons (e.g. positioning, adjusting special equipment, visual perceptual motor and sensorimotor skills, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student's IEP plan.
• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies (e.g. swings, balls, puzzles, etc.) for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, Medicaid billings, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance.
• Performs site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.
• Prepares written materials (e.g. activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, Medicaid billings, time studies, summer activities packets, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Provides training and instruction to students, parents and teachers on the use of assistive devices for the purpose of ensuring such devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved.
• Provides home visits and/or summer therapy services for the purpose of delivering services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures.
• Reports incidents and observations (e.g. suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to Education Code, administrative and/or school policies.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Transports a variety of items (e.g. puzzles, games, swings, assistive devices, assessment tools, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions.
• 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.

Job related experience is desired.

Community College and/or Vocational School degree with study in job related…