Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Partners-in-Special-Education; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Partners-in-Special-Education seeks an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support students with special needs in daily living activities and educational participation. You will implement therapy programs under supervision, promote independence, and collaborate with staff and families.

Duties include observing, data collection, assisting with positioning, feeding skills, and participating in CPI-based safety procedures as needed. CA licensure required; on-site role in Pasadena area schools.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and students.
• Experience working with students with special needs preferred.
• Physical ability to move about the building, including stairs.
• Ability to lift and position students (30-80 pounds) when needed.
• Ability to make minor decisions with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to participate in behavior management and CPI procedures.

Responsibilities

• Promote independence in activities of daily living through problem solving and observation.
• Observe, problem solve and suggest positioning techniques to enhance participation.
• Consult and assist classroom staff through gathering information at team meetings.
• Discuss and exchange information with the occupational therapist about students.
• Utilize task analysis to suggest techniques for feeding and daily living skills.
• Implement the program prescribed by the occupational therapist based on goals.
• Collaborate with colleagues and parents to plan and implement student programs.
• Assist occupational therapist by collecting data on progress toward goals.
• Assist in formulating new goals based on data analysis.
• Assume other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

English communication

Experience with special needs

Mobility & stairs

Lift & position students

Decision making

CPI training / crisis skills

Education

COTA licensure (CA)

Job description

Starting Pay Range $30.00 - $35.00 - Hourly Depending on experience

Essential Functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Promote independence in activities of daily living (including dressing and feeding) through problem solving, suggesting adaptations and observation of the student.
• Observe, problem solve and suggest positioning techniques to enhance educational participation and maximize function.
• Consult and assist classroom staff through gathering and sharing information at team meetings when requested.
• Discuss and exchange information about the students assigned with the occupational therapist.
• Utilize task analysis to suggest techniques to the educational team with regard to feeding, activities of daily living, pre-writing, pre-cutting, and other skills needed for school performance.
• Implement the individualized/small group therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist based on goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues and parents in order to share information and expertise to plan and implement effective student programs.
• Assist occupational therapist in determining extent to which goals and objectives are being met by collecting and maintaining data on individual student goals.
• Assist therapist in formulating new goals based on data analysis.
• Assume other duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate with students.
• Experience working with students with special needs preferred.
• Ability to physically move about the building including up/down 2 flights of stairs.
• Ability to lift and position students (30-80 pounds) if assigned to a classroom with such requirements.
• Ability to make minor decisions with minimal supervision in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to participate if requested in necessary approved behavior management procedures, Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI) and to apply training in crisis situations including student restraints as needed.

Education and Experience:

• Valid California Licensure as a COTA from the State of California, Department of Professional Regulation.
• Experience working with students with special needs preferred.

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They describe the general nature and level of work being performed and/or represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job. The Company retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

Founded by educators with a deeply held desire to bridge the growing resource gap between schools and the populations they serve, PSE's network of credentialed professionals is available to districts locally as well virtually, to provide comprehensive and tailored services to students and their families. In addition to pioneering virtual special education services, PSE has also developed several progressive student programs including enrichment workshops, multi-day mainstreaming events, and unique support groups like the wildly successful Girl Talk. PSE also works with schools to develop customized programming for students and staff. Since 2012, PSE has supported California communities by striving to help districts and students meet their goals of: Improving student matriculation, test results, and graduation rates Increasing inclusion and social confidence Ensuring compliance to avoid costly fines or legal action Preserving vital district resources by leveraging PSE's wide range of staff, systems, and services