Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Position Summary

Our Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant will help develop Summa's OT programs, services, and team to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students with special needs at Summa Academy. They will work in coordination with the Lead OT to respond to the unique and individual OT needs and abilities of our students, the COTA will work closely with the staff and administration to continue to grow our OT program which aligns with Summa's mission and vision to support and serve our students in collaboration with our talented multi-disciplinary team (ABA, OT, SLP, APE and special education teachers).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Provides students with individual treatment and / or group therapy sessions to support development in the areas of motor skills, coping skills, executive functions, and sensory needs, as identified through each Individualized Education Program (IEP), to students enrolled at Summa Academy.
• Tracks progress on goals, takes daily notes, and coordinates with supervising OT to determine present skill levels and goal progress for progress reports and goal tracking.
• Follows occupational therapy treatment plans based on the educational goals for students to improve the students functional abilities within the school and naturalistic settings, in collaboration with the IEP team.
• Participates in meetings and collaborates with Summa Academy staff on the appropriate implementation of programs.
• Demonstrates educational and developmental strategies to students, and provides consultation to their school teams and families, in order to facilitate successful perceptual, motor, and sensory programs.
• Maintains an in-depth knowledge of the laws and policies governing Special Education in California, particularly as they pertain to the delivery of occupational therapy services.
• Administers occupational therapy programs as needed in terms of budget recommendations, space, and equipment recommendations.
• Performs related duties as assigned

Other Expectations :

Actively support the organizations mission, vision, values and goals

Follow all policies / procedures relative to implementing Specialized Academic Instruction

Follow and uphold all Summa Academy policies and procedures as outlined in the handbook, policies and procedure documents and any additional communications with regards to policies and procedures

Promote a learning environment that allows for individual differences and respect for the dignity and worth of each student

Establish and maintain cooperative and collaborative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

Desired Education and Qualifications

Holds and maintains a COTA license from the California Board of Occupational Therapy.

Possession of a valid California drivers license.

Two years of experience working with children with disabilities in any setting.

Experience working collaboratively with teams and families is desired.

Knowledge Skills, & Abilities

Intellectual, sensory, and physical development of children

Application of occupational therapy techniques utilized in the school-based treatment of children with disabilities

Theory of physical and mental rehabilitation underlying the practices of occupational therapy; principles, methods, and objectives of occupational therapy treatment, services, techniques of skeletal anatomy, neuromuscular function and dysfunction; kinesiology and occupational therapy modalities

Maintain student performance data and documentation as applicable to their role.

Exercise independent judgment and problem-solving skills related to specific areas of responsibility

Utilize specialized communication systems and devices as required

Embody Summa Academys core values : Students First, Excellence, Joy, Integrity, and Equity.

Actively support Summa Academys mission, vision, values, and goals.

Support quality improvement efforts by complying with company initiatives and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.

Follow and uphold all Summa Academys policies outlined in the handbook, and procedural documents

Carry out all responsibilities in accordance with the applicable laws.

Work Environment & Physical Demands :

The position typically operates on-site, in-person, in a school environment with business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 : 00-4 : 00 pm. This is a part time position and COTA would be expected to be in person 20-29 hours weekly; specific days and hours may be discussed and determined during interview.

The employee may be required to intervene and de-escalate physical and emotional outbursts by students, including such behaviors as kicking, spitting, hitting, scratching, biting, running, and cursing; the employee must be able to run quickly for brief spurts.

While performing the duties and responsibilities of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, stand, move and walk at a brisk pace, sit, and use hands and arms to handle, feel, and reach.

The position requires the ability to accompany students anywhere on school premises, including supporting with toileting and other basic needs

The employee is occasionally required to stoop or kneel and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Employee must be physically able to implement Safety Care and ABA procedures, and to perform crisis intervention training and techniques (training will be provided).

Job Type : Part-time

Pay : $40.00 - $60.00 per hour

Expected hours : No more than 29 per week

Schedule :

Day shift

Monday to Friday

Work Location : In person

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