Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Reports to Director of Special Services and Principals.

Nature and Scope of Job: Provides a full range of occupational therapy services under the direction and guidance of the district wide Occupational Therapist. Follow established protocols and the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). Assists in the support of students who have a disability, disorder, impairment, activity limitation, or participation restriction which interferes with their ability to function independently in daily life roles. Implement treatment plans to promote wellness, physical and mental development, with an emphasis on fine and gross motor development, visual and perceptual skills, reasoning and cognitive skills, and functional self-care skills.

Qualifications:The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) shall: Must hold a valid Massachusetts Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) License issued by the state''s Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions, and other appropriate endorsement(s) in accordance with the requirements of Massachusetts.

Job Functions and Responsabilities:

1. Work in concert with the school administration, OT, staff, and medical personnel who are appointed by the District, completing appropriate records and carrying out any services that may be needed
2. Plan and conduct screening and support collection of data for initial evaluations of students by means of observation and professionally accepted assessments to determine the level of ability and disability relative to the need for occupational therapy. Participate when requested on the MTSS/IEP/504 teams for students in need of specialized services
3. In collaboration with the OT, help plan and implement habilitative/rehabilitative programs of therapy following established occupational therapy protocols in accordance with the student's IEP that will develop, improve, sustain, or restore skills in academic, daily living, school, and leisure activities
4. Conduct individual and group therapy in the areas of fine and gross motor development, visual and sensory perception, reasoning, cognitive, and functional self-care skills
5. Train students, under the guidance of the OT, in the use of assistive technology or orthotic devices, including the use of prosthetic devices
6. Observe students in the school setting and advise school based personnel when the need to make adjustments in the instructional program is needed
7. Keep the professional staff, health care providers, and OT informed with treatment objectives and student progress. Provide instruction, in collaboration with the OT, so that parents and others reinforce and assist with the treatment
8. Maintain and ensure an accurate student therapy record system. Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines
9. Complete and submit in a timely fashion all medical forms and reports as required by statute, regulation, policy, or as requestedonfines
10. In collaboration with the OT, select, arrange for purchase, and store appropriate supplies and equipment necessary to operate a school occupational therapy program, following school and district procedures. Develop a budget with the OT to support the program
11. Maintain a safe, working condition for all occupational therapy equipment.
12. Collaborate, under the direction of the OT, with community health agencies and resource persons to provide a comprehensive and coordinated school occupational therapy program
13. Visit student homes to assess family needs related to a child's functioning independently, upon request of the principal, OT, or supervisor. Consult with the school based Team, nurse, and other school personnel regarding the health of a child and the home situation, recognizing that the total family health and home status is important to the welfare of the child
14. Understand and communicate current developments in the occupational therapy field through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations
15. Complete the requirements of professional development for relicensure in accordance with State and District procedures
16. Recommend policies and procedures that promote a healthy school environment and a clean, safe facility. Identify and communicate to the principal any unsafe practices or conditions
17. Attend required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees
18. Maintain a safe working condition and operate electronic and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities
19. Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school
20. Perform any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications, as assigned by the Principal or Director and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
21. Understand and abide by the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, the Standards of Practice for Occupational Therapy, and the specific roles and guidelines outlined in Guidelines for Supervision, Roles, and Responsibilities During the Delivery of Occupational Therapy Services, as well as other relevant AOTA documents governing assistant-level practice and service delivery. 22 Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.