COTA: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - District

Aberdeen School District 5•Aberdeen, WA

About The Position

Under the supervision of an occupational therapist, this position will perform treatment interventions to assist students with motor development, orthopedic/health impairments and/or multiple handicaps. Depending upon individual school needs, the position may perform any or all of the following duties.

Requirements

Community college and/or vocational degree with study in job-related area
COTA Washington State License required.
Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling and English usage.
General knowledge of office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Ability to understand and execute verbal and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of the use of adaptive equipment, occupational therapy models, practices and theories.
Ability to handle students with behavioral and physical handicapping conditions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and the general public.
Ability to realize performance limitations and an awareness of when it would be appropriate to seek help from the supervising occupational therapist.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and be flexible to meet deadlines.
Ability to learn and willingness to use computer equipment and various software programs.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and be flexible to meet deadlines.
Ability to work in team environment.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to write simple correspondence.
May be required to complete training in First Aid and CPR if required by the District.
FBI and Washington State Patrol background clearance required.
Type II driver’s license may be required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual/Spanish speaking preferred.

Responsibilities

Adapts equipment (e.g. seating, tables, desks, computer hardware, etc.) for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increased independence for special education students.
Assists in the assessment of students’ fine motor and development skills (e.g. objective assessments, student observation, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information.
Consults with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, teachers, class assistants, families, etc. for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students’ occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
Develops individual treatment strategies for the purpose of addressing students’ functional needs.
Implements treatment plans developed by Occupational Therapist for the purpose of achieving students’ functional goals.
Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, billings, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance.
Maintains treatment equipment and supplies (e.g. swings, balls, puzzles, etc.) for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals.
Performs site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.
Prepares written materials (e.g. activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, Medicaid billings, time studies, summer activities packets, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.
Provides home visits and/or summer therapy services for the purpose of delivering services in conformance with established guidelines.
Provides training and instruction to teachers on the use of assistive devices for the purpose of ensuring such devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved.
Reports incidents and observations (e.g. suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to district, state and federal regulations.
Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, assistive devices, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students’ functional goals.
Transports a variety of items (e.g. assistive devices, assessment tools, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions.
Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g. computer technology, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and/or providing alternative strategies.
Assists other personnel for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
Other duties as assigned