COTA - Autism School 25 / 26 SY

Job Description

Job Description

Victory Autism Academy

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Position Title : Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Supervisor : Principal

Term of Employment : 10 months

Group : 2

Job Summary :

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) will deliver Occupational Therapy services to students in an educational setting, addressing challenges related to physical impairments, illness, psychosocial dysfunction, developmental or learning difficulties, and socioeconomic or cultural differences. The goal is to optimize functional performance, maximize independence, prevent disability, and maintain health through evaluation, treatment, environmental modification, consultation, training, and program monitoring.

Essential Functions :

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by the Certified Occupational Therapist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities generally include the following. Other duties may be assigned :

• Provide services to students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Work as part of a team with the goal of delivering services in students' natural environments (e.g., classroom, community).
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to schedule interventions using various service delivery models such as classroom intervention, consultation / collaboration, and pull-out services, in line with students' needs and the least restrictive environment.
• Design and implement activities that are aligned with students' interests and aptitudes.
• Utilize a variety of equipment, materials, devices, and aids.
• Apply evidence-based intervention strategies to deliver effective Occupational Therapy services.
• Determine the most appropriate service delivery model based on the severity of students' needs.
• Provide feedback and reinforcement to students in a positive and supportive manner.
• Assist students using augmentative and adaptive communication strategies and devices.
• Create lesson plans and facilitate individual or group therapy activities focused on achieving IEP goals, incorporating curriculum-based materials whenever possible.
• Assist in data collection and monitoring student progress.
• Manage a caseload of students under the supervision of a certified Occupational Therapist (OT).
• Support OT with clerical tasks and maintain accurate documentation, including student files.
• Support classroom curriculum by reinforcing OT-related skills.
• Provide written information and resources to teachers, parents, and others on how to support OT services.
• Coach classroom staff on implementing OT goals effectively.
• Engage in both formal and informal discussions with teachers about students' progress and needs.
• Attend parent conferences and IEP meetings with the supervising OT's permission and documentation. Changes in treatment plans or data interpretation must be approved by the OT.

Knowledge and Skills :

Minimum Qualifications :

Other Requirements :