Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

As a licensed health care provider within the educational system, this position assists the occupational therapist in providing occupational therapy services to support the education of students with special needs. The certified occupational therapy assistant is professionally responsible to, and under the supervision and direction of, a licensed occupational therapist(s) for all therapy-related issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist the occupational therapist in conducting observations and/or screenings of students with physical/motor disabilities using formal or informal procedures.
• Assist therapist in administering therapy testing protocols.
• Assist in recording and documenting observations and/or screening results.
• Work in cooperation with the occupational therapist to maintain an appropriate record-keeping and reporting system.
• Design and implement therapeutic activities based upon goals and objectives in student's IEP records.
• Establish schedule and proceed with service delivery and other assigned duties.
• Independently travel to school sites delivering occupational therapy services
• Provide direct occupational therapy services for individual students, or groups of students, based on the goals and objectives established by the occupational therapist.
• Use professional judgment in modifying functional techniques of therapeutic activities within the established Therapy Plan.
• Locate and prepare specialized therapy materials and equipment for student use. Maintain therapy equipment, assemble and modify adaptive equipment, and prepare equipment inventory lists and update as necessary. Document intervention procedures and results using appropriate forms.
• Compile data, records, and work samples for preparation of reports, IEP's, assessments, and conferences.
• As a member of the motor team, participate in the school District's comprehensive planning process for the education of children with special needs.
• Provide information and establish relationships with school personnel, parents, and non-school agencies to promote the education of students with physical/motor disabilities. Participate in training sessions for staff and families.
• Participate in professional growth continuing education opportunities as required by established state licensure laws and District expectations.
• Adhere to established ethical standards of the occupational therapy profession, state law, and District policy.
• Perform related duties consistent with scope and intent of the position under professional law and District policy.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work in direct contact with students affected by a variety of disabilities including, but not limited to, medically fragile students to promote their prescribed occupational therapy programs.
May also require working directly with disturbed and/or emotionally distraught students.
Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

The preceding list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience
Associate degree for Occupational Therapy Assistant from accredited college or school, including fieldwork.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Current Washington State License for COTA.

• Certification in good standing with professional association.

• Excellent communication skills and effective problem solving ability.

• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Knowledge and understanding of accepted occupational therapy practices and procedures.

ABILITY TO:
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents and staff members.
Ability to work effectively on a team.
Demonstrated efficient time-management skills.
Demonstrated professional competence, patience, and the physical capacity to