Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Pikes Peak BOCES; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

PERA -Retirement

Job summary

Pikes Peak BOCES is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support students in the Colorado Springs area. You will collaborate with licensed OTs to implement IEP services, document progress, and help students access learning within the school setting.

Active licensure in Colorado and NBCOT certification are required; three years of school-based experience preferred. You may travel between sites to support multiple classrooms and learners.

Qualifications

• Active Colorado OT/OTA license required.
• NBCOT certification required.
• 3 years school-based experience preferred.
• Knowledge of IEP processes and Colorado DOE guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed OTs in developing and implementing IEP-based goals.
• Support students with ADLs to build independence.
• Provide hands-on interventions and consultation.
• Model and advise teachers on accommodations and environmental design.
• Document progress in logs and data for reimbursement.
• Collaborate with educators, therapists, and students to tailor care plans.

Skills

Physiology & anatomy

Medical terminology

IEP familiarity

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Communication

Behavior strategies

School teamwork

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Qualifications:

• Licensure: Active Occupational Therapy Assistant license through DORA.

• Certification: Current certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

• Three years of experience in a school setting, preferred

Reports To: Director of Special Education or Designee

Job Overview

PPBOCES is seeking to expand our dynamic motor team with the addition of another Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In this vital role, you will collaborate closely with occupational therapists to deliver personalized IEP services in the school setting. School Based Services are based upon educational impact within the school setting to ensure students can access their learning. You will deliver direct services, document progress, and log services. You will be teaming with an occupational therapist and working closely with teachers, paraprofessionals, and students. Your passion for students and dedication to ensuring access to learning.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed occupational therapists in developing and Individualized Education Plans based on the Colorado Department of Education Scope and Role for Occupational Therapist and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.

• Support students with development of skills required with activities of daily living (ADLs), to build foundational skills to access learning and foster independence.

• Provide evidence-based hands-on interventions and consultation.

• Support OT in education, modelling and recommendations to teachers and supporting adults about how to meet student needs through accommodation, differentiation, and environmental design.

• Support educators and students through adapting activities, addressing sensory needs, and safety measures to promote ongoing progress.

• Document student progress accurately in service logs and progress monitoring data, ensuring compliance with PPBOCES expectations and IDEA regulations

• Contribute to teams by sharing observations on student performance and suggesting adjustments to care strategies.

• Documents occupational therapy services within PPBOCES data management system to ensure accountability of service provision and to meet standards for reimbursement of services as appropriate.

• Manages inventory of therapeutic equipment and assessments, and project needs for budget planning.

• Adheres to federal and state legislation, regulations, and policies that affect Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant practice.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of physiology, anatomy, medical terminology, and occupational health principles.

• Strong understanding of differences between medical models and educational model.

• Familiarity with IEP's and school-based procedures and policies and expectations.

• Ability to interpret IEP accurately and implement direct service interventions effectively and in coordination with supervising OTR.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and understanding of behavior strategies and principles.

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams

Evaluation:

This position shall be evaluated by Pikes Peak BOCES in alignment with evaluation domains for Colorado State Model System for Evaluation of Special Service Providers.

Salary, Working Time, Vacation, Etc.:

Salary placement is dependent on education and experience. COTA salary minimum range starting at 43,800.

This position shall be based on a 179-day calendar assigned by BOCES, with earned leave in accordance with Board policy.

The salary shall be determined by education and experience in accordance with the BOCES Alt Licensed Salary Schedule.

Contracts are on an annual basis and are subject to renewal or nonrenewal at the discretion of the Board.

Working Conditions:

- Talking and hearing, walking, standing or bending is frequently required
- Reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, stooping or kneeling is also required
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds or small children.
- Travel to assigned job site(s) requires driving. Employee may be asked to drive to any member district at any time using personal vehicle. Mileage Reimbursement in accordance with board policy

Job Types:

Anticipated Full-time & Part time openings

Benefits

• Dental insurance

• Flexible spending account

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Vision insurance

• PERA -Retirement

License/Certification:

• Current & Active Licensure & Certification required