Title: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Reports to:
This is a 10-month position following the school year calendar, inclusive of but not limited to staff meetings, teacher work days, workshops and other professional development, all school programs and activities, and other hours as required and deemed necessary by the Special Education Director.
The COTA understands and promotes the school’s mission, vision, core values and policies both within and outside the immediate school community. The COTA is responsible for providing occupational therapy services across both the Elizabeth Academy and Garfield School campuses that support the individual needs of our students in accordance with the school’s mission, vision and values under the supervision and direction of a registered occupational therapist (OTR).
Required Time Commitment:
1. Regular working hours will be up to 32 hours per month during the academic year. Employee’s regular working hours shall be determined in coordination with the Dean of Academic Affairs. These hours can be modified at any time by the Dean of Academic Affairs.
2. Employee is expected to arrive to work on time, unless an alternate arrangement is made with the Dean of Academic Affairs. Although we understand that emergencies can occur, if we observe a pattern of tardiness or early departures, you will receive a verbal warning. If late arrivals or early departures continue, this will be noted in your file and could impact your future employment.
3. Staff meetings, workshops and other professional development, all school programs and activities, and other hours as required and deemed necessary by the Dean of Academic Affairs.
COTA Duties:
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Implement occupational therapy treatment plans that support the individual needs of students in collaboration with the inclusion team, other early intervention therapists, and under the supervision of OTR.
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Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals
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Consult and collaborate with teachers and teams by suggesting ideas for classroom interventions. Train other staff as needed.
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Assists the OTR during assessments with formal documentation, preparing materials, and performing clerical duties;prepares therapy materials and/or equipment for use in the classroom and therapy activities
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Send timely written communication to parents/guardians/staff/occupational therapist of the student detailing the services provided, occupational therapy goals worked on/met, and recommendations for occupational therapy activities that could be provided at home.
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Proactively establish a positive relationship and maintain regular communication with parents/guardians, inclusion teams, and classroom teachers with regard to each child's needs.
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Maintain valid licensure, certification or equivalent as requested by the appropriate state agency.
Communication and Collaboration
The COTA is responsible for communication that supports an understanding of the school’s mission, values and program, develops positive relationships with and protects the privacy and confidentiality of all students, staff members and parents within the school community.
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Proactively and professionally communicates with administration when frustrated or encountering difficulties, notifying them of frustrated/concerned parents, and seeking admin support.
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Communicates with classroom teachers and other support providers to establish an awareness of student goals, concerns, and progress and that communication is documented.
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Understands that crucial conversations include behavioral, social/emotional, academic progress, and resolution of parent concerns or frustrations. Ensures that the administration is aware of crucial conversations.
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Listens, validates, and maintains professionalism.
Professional Responsibilities
The COTA is involved in ongoing self-assessment and refinement of practice in the classroom as well as collaborative professional growth.
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Maintains his/her teaching skills and actively seeks out and participates in professional development activities related to inclusion, Montessori education, and other relevant topics.
- Is a member of professional organizations and is aware of major areas of research in teaching and resources for professional learning.
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Participates in collegial activities designed to make the entire school a productive learning environment, including but not limited to program level meetings, curriculum and special needs-related discussion groups, mentoring, etc. It is expected that teachers attend all scheduled meetings and teacher work days.
- Works his/her scheduled hours.
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Arranges and requests approval for any planned absences or vacations, avoiding black-out days.
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Wears professional attire and uses professional communication at all times.
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Responsible for tracking and reporting professional development participation.
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May be asked to participate in up to four required Saturday professional development days as deemed appropriate by administration.
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Conflict of Interest - Any commitments related to employment outside of Elizabeth Academy/Garfield School must not conflict with school responsibilities and must occur outside of regular work hours or during PTO time.
Related Duties
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Completes and maintains all records, reports, evaluations and inventories of student records and tests in a timely manner as required by the Dean of Academic Affairs/ Occupational Therapist.
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Responsible for reading and adhering to the guidelines as established in the staff handbook and adhering to all school policies.
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Responsible for complying with all state regulations/requirements of accrediting organizations.
