Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Multnomah ESD•Portland, OR

About The Position

POSITION PURPOSE: To provide direct instruction, support, and material development in student's sensory and fine motor needs, as well as functional skills development; to identify educationally-relevant accommodations and adaptations and/or to develop and implement instructional or therapeutic interventions as indicated, in collaboration with the supervising Occupational Therapist. Note: This posting is for the COTA position at multiple school sites within East Multnomah County. These schools provide a positive and safe learning community that fosters student support in areas of social-emotional, behavior, communication, and sensory needs. NATURE & SCOPE: This position is subject to Board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable State and Federal statutes. This position carries no administrative authority or responsibility.

Requirements

COTA credential meeting current OTLB guidelines:
Successful completion of the academic requirements of an educational program for occupational therapy assistants recognized by the Occupational Therapy Licensing Board.
Pass an examination approved by the board to determine the fitness of the applicant for practice as an occupational therapy assistant.
Have successfully completed at least two months of supervised field work that complies with rules adopted by OTLB.
Maintain a current OTA license in good standing in the state of Oregon.
Emotional and physical stamina to perform duties as required by the designated task except for temporary disability.
Valid driver’s license and vehicle available.
Ability to lift students according to acceptable risk factors guidelines (up to 60 pounds maximum without additional support). Exact lifting requirements will vary based upon student weight, tone, and transfer positions/space.

Responsibilities

Provide direct instruction, following documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Perform administrative record keeping, including documentation of services (may include Medicaid documentation) to be reviewed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Develop materials as requested by, and in collaboration with, the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Assist the Occupational Therapist in collecting and tallying of data, without interpretation.
Document student progress - without interpretation of findings - toward meeting established objectives as stated in the IEP/IFSP, and report this information to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Assist with clerical duties as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
Perform checks and maintenance of equipment.
Participate with Occupational Therapist in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs.
Conduct screenings without interpretation, utilizing screening protocols specified by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Schedule activities and prepare charts, records, graphs or other displays of data.
Act as second-language interpreter during assessment, if applicable.
Maintain the confidentiality of information pertaining to students and their families.
Maintain satisfactory job attendance record.
Use district-mandated and approved personal safety techniques to avoid exposure and injury to self, students, and other staff.
Attend required meetings.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Coordinator/Supervisor, or which are indicated to assure the physical and emotional well-being of students.
Adhere to policies of the district and procedures of the department and/or school site.
Attend workshops, staff development classes, and other meetings.
Act as a resource person in the area of occupational therapy services.
Perform other related duties as assigned by supervising Occupational Therapist or supervisor.