Job Title:     Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Reports to:     Special Education Director

Dept./School:     Special Education

Primary Purpose: Provide direct occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Requirements

Associate's degree required, Bachelor's degree preferred 

Valid Texas license as an occupational therapy assistant issued by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (TBOTE)

Experience in occupational therapy and contact with school-age children.

Special Knowledge/Skills: 

Ability to implement occupational therapy treatment programs as specified by occupational therapy plan.  

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)

 Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Provide occupational therapy services as specified in the occupational therapy plan of care.

2. Collect data according to established procedures to assist occupational therapist in screening students as possible candidates for occupational therapy services.

3. Assist occupational therapist to revise short-term student goals.

4. Assist with instructing teachers, staff, and parents in use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology programs or devices, and integration of therapy goals into the educational program.

5. Interact with students regarding condition, progress, and/or achievement of goals during each treatment session.

6. Communicate with parents regarding individual students as directed by the occupational therapist.

7. Attend planning meetings and participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee (ARD) meetings as directed by the occupational therapist.

8. Assist with acquisition and maintenance of therapy equipment and supplies. 

9. Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other documents required including accurate student records and patient progress notes. 

10. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

11. Maintain confidentiality.

12. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Special needs adaptive equipment

Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension

Regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities

assisting nonambulatory students

Maintain emotional control

Work with frequent interruptions

Hearing and speaking clearly

Prolonged use of computer