Contracted Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit; North Whitehall Township (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional educational support agency is seeking a contracted Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to provide therapy treatments according to students' Individual Education Plans. This position involves developing treatment plans and documenting progress. Candidates must hold a valid NBCOT certification, PA licensure, and an Associate Degree from an accredited program. Strong skills in communication, teamwork, and confidentiality are essential. This is a contracted position with up to 29 hours a week, without benefits.

Qualifications

• Valid certification of the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) required.
• Valid PA Licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant required.
• Associate Degree from an accredited OTA program required.

Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy treatments as per the student's IEP.
• Assist in developing treatment plans.
• Document progress of therapy.
• Participate in development of the student’s IEP or 504 Plan relevant to occupational therapy.
• Attend IEP and mandated meetings.
• Follow the IEP/504 Plan and occupational therapy treatment plan.
• Document and report progress within required timeframes.

Skills

Advanced computer skills

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Decision making

Knowledge of therapy treatments

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Valid certification from NBCOT

Valid PA Licensure

Associate Degree from accredited OTA program

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Departmental Computer Software

Job description

Contracted Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant JobID: 1081

• Position Type: CASUAL EMPLOYMENT (CONTRACTED) - NON PDE CERTIFIED / Contracted Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Date Posted: 12/12/2024
• Location: Schnecksville, PA

This is a contracted position that works up to 29 hours a week, and no benefits are offered.

Position Definition

The person filling this assignment will provide occupational therapy treatments and therapy in accordance with the student’s Individual Education Plan, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions and activity programs, and document progress of treatment.

Relationship

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) shall be directly responsible to the Supervisor of Special Education.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Valid certification of the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, required
• Valid PA Licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, required
• Associate Degree from an accredited OTA program, required

Skills/Knowledge

• Demonstrates advanced computer skills, including thorough knowledge of Windows and the Microsoft Office Suite and proficient use of departmental Computer Software.
• Demonstrates the ability to work in a team environment.
• Maintains complete confidentiality.
• Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills, patience, understanding, and congeniality.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Organizes, plans, and manages job responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Completes tasks with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Makes professional decisions.
• Applies knowledge of occupational therapy treatments and activities.
• Stays current with occupational therapy techniques and treatments.
• Understands tools, techniques, and technology used for school‑based therapy.
• Proficient in tools and technology related to occupational therapy.
• Shows cultural sensitivity to a diverse student population and stakeholders.
• Attends work regularly at assigned hours, subject to lawful leave rights.
• Provides high‑level customer service with patience and knowledge of the Department’s services.

Physical

• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, lift, reach, and communicate (vision, hearing, speech) to effectively carry out functions, duties, and responsibilities.
• Can independently ambulate in and around work areas.
• Can travel to assigned work locations without employer support.
• Exhibits appropriate manual dexterity for job functions.
• Can conduct safety restraint protocol, including:
• Normal degree of flexibility;
• Ability to stand, walk, run, shuffle for several minutes;
• Ability to kneel on one and two knees and then stand;
• Ability to bend trunk at 45 degrees and twist to either side;
• Ability to grasp firmly and raise hands above the head;
• Ability to learn and demonstrate multi‑step physical skills.

Authority

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will have the authority to perform all functions listed below in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Functions / Duties / Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function/duty/responsibility at acceptable standards. In accordance with both state and/or federal law, reasonable accommodations will be considered upon employee request.

Essential

• Execute prescribed educational‑based therapy recommendations and programs for students developed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Develop and implement research‑based educationally relevant interventions.
• Reevaluate students annually in accordance with CLIU procedures.
• Participate in the development of the student’s IEP or 504 Plan pertinent to occupational therapy.
• Attend IEP and other student‑mandated meetings.
• Follow the program established in the IEP or 504 Plan.
• Conduct educationally relevant individual and/or group occupational therapy sessions, in accordance with the Occupational Therapist treatment plan.
• Provide consultation to parents and/or teachers informally or formally via workshops, parent program meetings, or in‑service programs with the OTR.
• Collaborate effectively with student IEP teams.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with CLIU staff, district staff, and parents.
• Complete necessary documentation for medical ACCESS and school‑based medical ACCESS within required timeframes.
• Complete necessary documentation and reports related to ongoing therapy provision, including monthly statistics, individual session notes, progress summaries, and data collection within deadline requirements.
• Maintain and store current electronic files for each student.
• Follow work schedule as approved by the Supervisor of Special Programs and Services.
• Maintain ITT requirements for assigned caseload.
• Provide OTR with caseload updates throughout the school year for data verification.
• Provide supervisory shadowing for OTA students for field work placement as needed.

Secondary

• Provide training to students, teachers, and parents/guardians in proper use of devices or equipment, and occupational therapy techniques.
• Assist in mentoring COTA students in clinical work experience.
• Provide supervision to OTA Fieldwork I and II students under the guidance of OTR/L.
• Participate in in‑service training and continuing education experiences as deemed necessary by the Supervisor of Special Programs and Services.
• This Job Description does not imply that these are the only duties; employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.