Santa Ana Unified School District Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) BASIC FUNCTION: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), under the direction of an Occupational Therapist (OTR) and the Department of Special Education, will participate as a member of the educational team to treat children who have been identified as requiring school based occupational therapy services. The COTA, under the OTR’s general supervision, will be responsible for collaborating with the OTR on attaining Individual Educational Program (IEP) goals and benchmarks. The COTA, with prior approval, may adjust treatment protocol in accordance with changes in a student’s status. This employee will also address self-help skill development, task/routine transitioning, sensory motor processing, perceptual processing, functional adaptation/modification of educational activities and/or classroom materials, and fine motor functional skill development in the classroom. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Assists the Occupational Therapist in identifying a student’s needs in the classroom setting. E Facilities student participation in therapy activities that support IEP goals, as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist, by selecting specific tasks most appropriate to the student’s needs. E Adjusts the student’s treatment program based on student reaction and response to the treatment program. E Utilizes standard equipment and supplies required for treating students and instruct educational team in the use and care of equipment. E Observes and documents reactions and responses of students to occupational therapy treatment and report observations to occupational therapists. E Implements home programs and provide instruction for classroom staff, students, and families. E Attends related meetings and conferences. E Performs related duties as required. E KNOWLEDGE & ABILTIIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Current methodology and practices, including sensory integration, neuro-developmental treatment (NDT), oral-motor, and functional self-help skills. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) (CONTINUE) A variety of current treatment approaches appropriate to meet the student’s needs, instructional goals, and classroom support. Guidelines Code of Ethics: Occupational Therapy Standards of Practice, Practice Act, and appropriate treatment implementation. Health regulations and safe working methods and procedures. Proper lifting techniques. District policies, rules, and regulations. ABILITY TO Assist severely impaired students in learning/practicing appropriate social skills and behaviors such as safety procedures, independence, and decision making necessary for “mainstreaming.” Work cooperatively with others. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Observe health and safety regulations. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High school graduate or equivalent. Must meet national and State practice codes and standards requirements. Experience in occupational therapy with children with severe disabilities, including pediatrics, sensory integration and motor evaluation and training. Proof of certification by a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Program. Valid and appropriate driver’s license. CPR Certification desirable. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Exposure to fumes, dust, odors, cleaning agents, and chemicals. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk and/or hear. Frequently is required to walk or sit. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) (CONTINUE) Occasionally required to stand, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, bend, twist, kneel, crouch or crawl. Occasionally may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Board Approved: 4/07