Occupational Therapist Assistant - Exceptional Learning

Questar III BOCES; Village of Castleton-on-Hudson (NY); On-site; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Questar III BOCES is seeking a full-time Occupational Therapy Assistant to provide services at Paul Puccio School at Maple Hill. You will support students' daily living and learning through therapy under supervision of a licensed OT.

The role emphasizes collaboration with educators and families, documentation of progress, and adherence to AOTA standards. Candidates with NYS OTA license and 1 year of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Current NYS Certified Occupational Therapy licensure/certification required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a COTA, or new graduates encouraged to apply.
• Strong written and verbal communication and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing treatment plans under OT supervision.
• Monitor and document student progress and maintain records.
• Educate students and families on procedures and home programs.
• Collaborate with supervising OT and other health professionals.
• Maintain safe, organized treatment environments and proper equipment handling.
• Adhere to all regulations and AOTA standards.

Skills

Independent work

Time management

Clinical reasoning

Written and verbal communication

Education

NYS Certified Occupational Therapy licensure

Job description

Title — Occupational Therapist Assistant — Exceptional Learning

Location — Paul Puccio School at Maple Hill

Intro

Here at Questar III BOCES, we believe in changing lives, realizing dreams and doing together what can’t be done alone. Our vision is that of creating a student-centered culture and putting students first. Our core values include a commitment to excellence by honing our craftsmanship to deliver high-quality work, a commitment to leadership & service by moving the organization, departments and school districts forward by exceeding expectations, and a commitment to innovation by creating programs and services to address student needs AND by continuously improving our programs and operations. We believe that organizational excellence is best achieved when leadership is reflective of our diverse society.

Job Description:

Questar III BOCES announces a Full-Time Occupational Therapist Assistant (Leave of Absence) position to provide Occupational Therapy services to students at Paul Puccio School at Maple Hill Special Education Program. This position will provide assistance to students using strategies that maximize independence and learning in the school environment and help develop living skills.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Full-Time Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) to join our dynamic team. The OTA will work under the direct supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to implement patient-specific treatment plans designed to help students recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, possess excellent interpersonal skills, and be committed to promoting independence and quality of life for our patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the Implementation of Treatment Plans: Execute therapeutic interventions as established by the supervising OT, including purposeful activities and exercises designed to improve students' motor skills, strength, endurance, cognitive function, and daily living skills (ADLs/IADLs).
• Student Care and Documentation:
  • Monitor and document student performance, progress, and response to treatment, reporting any significant changes to the supervising OT promptly.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant student records and charts.
  • Educate students and their families/caregivers on treatment procedures, home exercise programs, and adaptive equipment use.
• Assist in Collaboration and Communication:
  • Collaborate effectively with the supervising Occupational Therapist regarding student status, goal modifications, and progress planning.
  • Communicate professionally and compassionately with students, families, and other healthcare professionals (e.g., Physical Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists).
• Assist with Equipment and Environment:
  • Assist in the daily use and maintenance of adaptive equipment, orthotics, and splints.
  • Ensure a safe, clean, and organized treatment environment, including proper handling and cleaning of therapy tools and equipment.
• Professionalism: Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as facility policies and ethical standards of practice set forth by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Qualifications

• Current NYS Certified Occupational Therapy licensure/certification required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a COTA, or new graduatesare encouraged to apply.
• Skills: Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and demonstrate strong clinical reasoning skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred applicants will have experience working with special education students in an education setting. Candidates with relevant experience in geriatric care, pediatrics, and acute rehabilitation settings are encouraged to apply.

Knowledge of electronic health record (EHR) systems and Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is a plus.

This role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and kneeling. The OTA must be able to lift and transfer patients and equipment, which may require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally. Specific demands will vary based on the clinical setting.

For more information on Questar III BOCES, please visit www.questar.org.