Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA

Esc3; Bay City (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A school district in Michigan is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide direct occupational therapy services under supervision. Responsibilities include assisting students with therapy goals, maintaining accurate records, and communicating effectively with parents and staff. Candidates should have an Associate’s degree in occupational therapy and a valid Texas license. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to handle physical demands.

Qualifications

• Two months of experience in occupational therapy and contact with school-age children.
• Ability to implement occupational therapy treatment programs as specified.
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written).

Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy services as specified in the plan of care.
• Collect data to assist occupational therapist in screening students.
• Interact with student patients regarding conditions and progress.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate’s degree in occupational therapy

Valid Texas license as an occupational therapy assistant

Tools

Special needs adaptive equipment

Standard office equipment

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA
Bay City ISD

Please contact the district or school with any questions regarding this position.

Primary Purpose: Provide direct occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

Education/Certification: Associate’s degree in occupational therapy or equivalent Valid Texas license as an occupational therapy assistant issued by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (TBOTE)

Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to implement occupational therapy treatment programs as specified by occupational therapy plan of care. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)

Experience: Two months experience in occupational therapy and contact with school-age children.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Provide occupational therapy services as specified in the occupational therapy plan of care.
2. Collect data according to established procedures to assist occupational therapist in screening students as possible candidates for occupational therapy services.
3. Assist occupational therapist to revise short-term patient goals.
4. Assist with instructing teachers, staff, and parents in use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology programs or devices, and integration of therapy goals into the educational program.
5. Interact with student patient regarding patient’s condition, progress, and/or achievement of goals during each treatment session.
6. Communicate with parents regarding individual students as directed by the occupational therapist.
7. Attend planning meetings and participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee (ARD) meetings as directed by the occupational therapist.
8. Assist with acquisition and maintenance of therapy equipment and supplies.
9. Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other documents required including accurate student records and patient progress notes.
10. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
11. Maintain confidentiality.
12. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Tools/Equipment Used: Special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension

Lifting: Regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting nonambulatory students

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, Bay City ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by law.

Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an employee or applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminatory employment practice. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities.