SY 26-27 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports the implementation of occupational therapy services for students under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. Working collaboratively with teachers, related service providers, and administrators, the COTA assists in providing therapeutic interventions that enable students to access and participate in their educational program. The COTA contributes to an inclusive, high-quality learning environment that promotes student independence, functional skills, and academic success.

Qualifications

• Associate''s Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Current Massachusetts licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Experience working with students with autism, developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, and/or social-emotional needs preferred.
• Knowledge of occupational therapy practices, sensory integration strategies, and therapeutic interventions.
• Experience implementing behavior management strategies and positive therapeutic practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Experience collecting and documenting student data is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The responsibilities and duties listed below are representative of the work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Implement occupational therapy treatment plans developed by a licensed Occupational Therapist.
• Provide individual and small-group therapeutic interventions to improve students'' fine motor, sensory processing, self-regulation, self-care, and functional skills.
• Assist students in accessing classroom activities through appropriate therapeutic supports and accommodations.
• Collaborate with occupational therapists, teachers, special education staff, and other related service providers to support student progress.
• Assist in adapting classroom materials, equipment, and learning environments to meet students'' individual needs.
• Collect and maintain accurate data on student performance, progress toward goals, and therapeutic interventions.
• Monitor student responses to interventions and communicate observations to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Support the generalization of therapeutic skills across educational settings and daily school routines.
• Maintain therapy materials, adaptive equipment, and student records in accordance with district procedures.
• Participate in team meetings, professional development, and training as required.
• Comply with all district policies, state regulations, and confidentiality requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal, supervising Occupational Therapist, or Special Education Administration.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, and activities of daily living as needed.
• Ability to lift, move, and support students and therapy equipment in accordance with district safety procedures.
• Ability to perform the physical demands associated with implementing occupational therapy interventions throughout the school day.

Reports to: Principal/SPSA/Director of Special Education/Asst Director of Special Education

Evaluated by: Principal/SPSA/Director of Special Education/Asst Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment / Salary / Work YearAs negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and the Fitchburg Education Association (FEA).

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg: www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a National Criminal Background Check (NCBC/Fingerprinting), and a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check prior to the start of employment.

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The information contained in this job description is provided for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties performed by this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The School Committee''s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it conducts business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected classification in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to: Office of Human Resources, Fitchburg Public Schools, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us.