Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Aspire Public Schools; California (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire Public Schools seeks a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant to deliver therapy services to special education students in California. This role involves developing therapeutic plans under supervision, training staff, and supporting children's educational needs through direct therapy. The position offers a competitive salary, a hiring bonus, and comprehensive benefits including health coverage and retirement plans.

Benefits

Paid time off

100% core health benefits coverage

Life insurance/long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement plan

Adoption assistance program

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited program and 2 years experience preferred.
• Must be knowledgeable about occupational therapy practices for children.
• Comfortable with using technology.

Responsibilities

• Assist Occupational Therapist in providing therapy services to students.
• Participate in development of IEPs and consultation with parents.
• Document therapy services and maintain treatment logs.

Skills

Child growth and development

Practice of occupational therapy as applied to children and youth

Strategies and methodologies used in educational settings

Special education law relative to occupational therapy services

Current theories and best practices in occupational therapy

Functioning of adaptive equipment

Communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing

Education

Graduation from accredited Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant program

Job description

Aspire is offering a $6000 hiring bonus for all new Certified Occupational Therapist assistants. This position will be serving school sites across in Sacramento and Stockton.

JOB SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapy Assistant works under the direction of an Occupational Therapist to provide educationally related occupational therapy services to identified special education students according to the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan. Provides training and consultation to staff and parents and/or direct services to assist students with conditions which are mentally, physically, developmentally or emotionally disabling. These services are designed to allow students to benefit from their basic educational program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assist Occupational Therapist in identifying and assessing student’s skills and abilities in fine motor function, gross motor function, oral motor, sensory registration and processing, visual processing, motor planning, activities of daily living, and postural stability.
Assist with the development of the occupational therapy intervention plan as part of the IEP process including treatment goals; assists with data collection and assessments with established service competency documented
Provides scheduled, direct, individual or group occupational therapy services to students
Participates in consultations with parents and staff on occupational therapy interventions for students on site and through home and community programs. to maintain and enhance the performance of students in their natural environments.
Provides training, direction and supervision for ancillary staff as assigned.
Document therapy services and records progress; maintains a variety of service related logs; prepares reports in collaboration with the supervising OTR/L; organizes materials needed for therapy interventions.
Ensures the documentation of services is professional, efficient, and accountable, and in conformance with the policies of state and other agencies
Maintains regular contact with supervising OTR/L to review caseloads and services to students
Maintain a safe and orderly treatment area
Attends Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings as directed to report findings and recommendations
Identify, evaluate and design adaptive equipment to assist students in self-care and academic activities.
Assists in developing transition plans for students moving to other environments.
Participates in professional growth activities in special education and in pediatric occupational therapy.
Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer and assigned software; operate copier, paper cutter, laminator and other office equipment as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position
Support the mission, vision, and core values of Aspire Public Schools.
Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Additional:

Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, the Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, value statements including antiracism, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
Comfortable with utilization of technology.
Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies:

Child growth and development;
Practice of occupational therapy as applied to children and youth;
Strategies and methodologies used in educational settings;
Special education law relative to occupational therapy services;
Current theories and best practices in the application of occupational therapy techniques;
Functioning of adaptive equipment, assistive technology and special equipment as it applies to occupational therapy services.
Work independently with appropriate supervision;
Perform task analysis of underlying treatment components to address IEP goals and implement appropriate intervention strategies;
Communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing;
Work effectively with parents, community and education colleagues;
Function as a positive, contributing member of an educational team in a professional manner;
Optimize a work schedule that involves multiple locations and organize and prioritize responsibilities

Minimum educational level:

Graduation from accredited Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant program

Experience required:

2 years experience working with children with disabilities ages 4 to 18 in an occupational therapy or educational setting is preferred.

Compensation:
Aspire Public Schools is dedicated to our teammate's well-being! In addition to a competitive base salary that is benchmarked against local districts and charter schools, we offer employees exceptional benefits, including paid time off, 100% core health benefits coverage on select plans, life insurance/long-term disability, participation in a CA state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program. Our salary schedule based on years of experience for this position type is reflected here:

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Salary Schedule

Aspire Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Aspire promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.

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