Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA)

Essex Regional Educational Services Commission•Passaic, NJ

31d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves providing occupational therapy services to students with special needs, promoting independence in daily living activities, and collaborating with educational teams. The role requires implementing therapeutic programs prescribed by an occupational therapist, collecting data, and assisting in goal formulation. General responsibilities include acting as an adult model, managing behavior, educating students, and pursuing professional growth. The position is part-time, working 10 months a year, not exceeding 28.75 hours per week.

Requirements

Valid New Jersey Licensure as a COTA from the State of New Jersey, Department of Professional Regulation.
Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate with students.
Ability to physically move about the building.
Ability to lift and position students (30-80 pounds) if assigned to a classroom with such requirements.
Ability to make decisions with minimal supervision in accordance with established procedures.
Ability to participate in approved behavior management procedures, Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI) and to apply training in crisis situations including student restraints as needed.
Must pass CHRU background check.
Proof of recent TB screening.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students with special needs preferred.

Responsibilities

Promotes independence in activities of daily living (including dressing and feeding) through problem solving, suggesting adaptations and observation of the student.
Observes, problem solves and suggests positioning techniques to enhance educational participation and maximize function.
Consults and assists classroom staff through gathering and sharing information at team meetings when requested.
Discusses and exchanges information about the students assigned with the occupational therapist.
Utilizes 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.
Implements the individualized/small group therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist based on goals and objectives.
Collaborates with colleagues and parents in order to share information and expertise to plan and implement effective student programs.
Assists occupational therapist in determining extent to which goals and objectives are being met by collecting and maintaining data on individual student goals.
Assists therapist in formulating new goals based on data analysis.
Assumes appropriate roles as adult model, behavior manager and educator.
Continues professional growth.
Assumes other duties and special projects as assigned.