Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

TITLE:  Certified OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST Assistant

QUALIFICATIONS    
Minimum experience as determined by the Board
Certified occupational therapist assistant license
Broad knowledge of child growth and development, psychology of exceptional children, and the principles of counseling individuals  
Demonstrated ability to effectively work with students, parents, and community groups and agencies
Strong leadership skills
Maintain confidentiality of staff and students

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY TO
Director of Special Education and Building Principal

JOB SUMMARY
To assist students who have difficulty in achieving a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and enable them to participate to their potential in daily occupations of life.  To enable all pupils to benefit from their educational opportunities to the fullest by eliminating or ameliorating those problems that prevent or interfere with student learning.  

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

 
Work collaboratively with Occupational Therapist

Complete forms for Medicaid billing
Assisting Students and Families
Provide pupil services and special education 
Coordinate occupational therapy with other educational services   
Follow established procedures for evaluation, placement, and reappraisal of students in need of special education or related services   
Perform skills assessments and treatment
Provide customized intervention programs to improve students' ability to perform daily activities   
Provide guidance to teachers
Assist with home instruction for homebound or hospitalized students 
Initiate, facilitate, and maintain relationships with community agencies and other resources to meet pupils' special needs

Planning, Evaluation and Reporting
Cooperate with Building Principal to plan, coordinate, and evaluate the pupil services program  
Recommend policies and programs essential to the needs of students needing occupational therapy   
Evaluate existing programs and make recommendations for improvements 
Participate in the development and implementation of in-service programs 
Assume responsibility for the preparation and timely submission of all required reports, and for timely input into reports prepared by others 
Assume responsibility for district compliance with federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy regarding occupational therapy 

Other
Interpret the objectives of the district's pupil services program to parents, students, staff, and the community 
Keep informed of all legal requirements governing special education and ensures that all requirements under federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy are met 
Assume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development by such efforts as attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses, and by reading professional journals and other publications 
Seek assistance should emergencies arise
Represent the school district in a positive manner
Know and follow school district policy and chain of command
Perform other duties as assigned 

EVALUATION
Performance of this position will be evaluated annually by the assistant superintendent and/or superintendent in conformance with federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy.

BENEFITS:
District benefit package for full time employees working 20+ hours per week:

• Medical/vision/dental insurance
• $30,000 life insurance with option to purchase additional coverage
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Unlimited accumulation of sick leave
• Personal, bereavement, professional leave, vacation (if applicable)
• Credit reimbursement of up to $300 per year

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Contract as determined by the Board.

NOTE
All certificated and non-certificated employees and other individuals are required to undergo a criminal history check and submit to fingerprinting.  Any applicant convicted of any of the felony crimes enumerated in Section 33-1208, Idaho Code may not be hired, and any applicant convicted of any felony offense listed in Section 33-1208(2), Idaho Code shall not be hired.


Legal Reference:    I.C. � 33-512        Governance of Schools
            I.C. � 33-1210        Information on Past Job Performance
            I.C. � 54-3702        Occupational Therapy Practice Act
IDAPA 24.06.01    Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants