Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

About the position

The school occupational therapy assistant, as a member of the educational team, supports the education of students. The COTA provides unique therapeutic services to enhance the goals and objectives of eligible students. The COTA is primarily responsible for implementing the therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist.

Responsibilities

• Promote independence in activities of daily living (including dressing and feeding) through problem solving, suggesting adaptations and observation of the student.
• Observe, problem solve and suggest positioning techniques to enhance educational participation and maximize function.
• Consult and assist classroom staff through gathering and sharing information at team meetings when requested.
• Discuss and exchange information about the students assigned with the occupational therapist.
• Utilize task analysis to suggest techniques to the educational team with regard to feeding, activities of daily living, pre-writing, pre-cutting, and other skills needed for school performance.
• Implement the individualized/small group therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist based on goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues and parents in order to share information and expertise to plan and implement effective student programs.
• Assist occupational therapist in determining extent to which goals and objectives are being met by collecting and maintaining data on individual student goals.
• Assist therapist in formulating new goals based on data analysis.
• Assume appropriate roles as adult model, behavior manager and educator.
• Continue professional growth.
• Assume other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Support Governing Board Policy, Goals and Objectives

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited program for occupational therapy assistants.
• Must possess current licensure as an occupational therapist assistant by the State of Arizona.
• Two years of experience as a therapist assistant or an equivalent combination of education and experiences (especially in educational setting is preferred).