CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (COTA)

Objective and Job Summary:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is responsible for providing direct occupational therapy services to students under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). This role supports students in developing the functional skills needed to access their educational program and participate successfully in the school environment.

The COTA works closely with the supervising Occupational Therapist, special education staff, teachers, administrators, and families to implement individualized therapy plans, collect student data, and support the consistent implementation of accommodations and interventions. This position implements established therapy plans under the clinical supervision of the Occupational Therapist.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Therapy Services

1. Provide direct occupational therapy services in accordance with students' IEPs.
2. Implement treatment plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
3. Support students in developing fine motor, sensory, self-regulation, handwriting, and functional living skills.
4. Implement adaptive strategies and environmental accommodations.
5. Assist with positioning, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology.
6. Collect data and monitor student progress.
7. Communicate student progress to the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Collaboration & Student Support

1. Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and related service providers.
2. Reinforce therapeutic strategies within the classroom.
3. Assist the supervising Occupational Therapist with student observations and assessments.
4. Participate in IEP, SST, MTSS, and other student support meetings as requested.
5. Partner with families to reinforce therapeutic strategies at home.

Documentation & Compliance

1. Maintain accurate service logs and student documentation.
2. Maintain therapy materials and equipment.
3. Ensure compliance with IDEA, FERPA, and applicable regulations.
4. Maintain confidentiality regarding student information.

Other Duties

1. Participate in professional development and required trainings.
2. Maintain required licenses and certifications.
3. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
2. Current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) certification through NBCOT and a valid California Occupational Therapy Assistant License.
3. Experience working with school-aged children or in a pediatric setting preferred.
4. Knowledge of IDEA, IEPs, and school-based occupational therapy services.
5. Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
6. Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff.
7. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
8. Possess a work ethic and personal belief system that aligns with the mission and vision of Scholarship Prep.

Physical Abilities:

Frequent sitting, standing, or walking much of the time with some bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and climbing stairs. Frequently lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment:

This position works in a variety of settings including indoor, outdoor work environments. May experience seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions well as odors, dust, moderate noise level.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt CLASSIFICATION: Classified