SY 25-26 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Kipp Inc; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to provide crucial support for students with disabilities. This role involves implementing treatment plans, monitoring progress, and collaborating with teachers and parents to ensure students achieve their goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in occupational therapy, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping students succeed. Join a dedicated team focused on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners, where your contributions can make a significant impact on the lives of students and their families.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year experience as a school-based COTA.
• Successful completion of the NBCOT certification exam.
• Active Ohio Department of Education and Workforce License.

Responsibilities

• Implement treatment plans for students with disabilities.
• Monitor student progress and report data to the supervising OT.
• Conduct individual and group therapy sessions.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Empathy

Flexibility

Education

Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

SY 25-26 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

• Full-time
• Start Date: Immediate opening
• Department: School-based Support

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and life. There are 280 KIPP schools across the nation and the District of Columbia, serving more than 175,000 students and alumni with more than 15,000 educators.

Founded in 2008 with 50 students in 5th grade, KIPP Columbus currently educates 2,000 students in grades Kindergarten through twelfth. With a mission to, together with families and the community, create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose -- college, career, and beyond -- KIPP has maintained excellence in its growth, and will improve upon that standard – proving what is possible in public education.

KIPP Columbus continues to rank as one of the top schools for academic growth of any school in the state of Ohio, and is a top performing urban school in the state for academic growth. In our first three graduating classes (in spring 2020, 2021, and 2022) 100% of students were accepted to college and/or military service with nearly $40 million in merit scholarships from colleges and universities awarded.

In addition to academic excellence, KIPP Columbus also partners with nearly 100 community organizations to provide extracurricular activities, programming, health and wellness services, meals, and more to KIPP students, families, and the broader community. KIPP is also a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, offering more than 10 varsity sports.

The KIPP Columbus learning campus will continue to advance student learning, expand partnerships, enable superior programming, and serve as a teaching and leadership lab for schools nationwide, reimagining education through a deeper lens of antiracism, excellence, and joy as we expand to educate nearly 4,000 students on our learning campus in the coming years.

Interested in learning more about our school? Please check out our website: https://www.kippcolumbus.org/

The Opportunity

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide occupational therapy services to students with disabilities in a school setting. The COTA will support the OT in implementing treatment plans, assisting with assessments, and providing therapeutic interventions to help students develop or maintain skills necessary for academic success, daily living, and social participation. This position requires collaboration with teachers, special education staff, parents, and other related service providers to ensure that each student's needs are met in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at KIPP Columbus provides crucial support and services to students with disabilities and to work in collaboration with other service providers and student services team members to ensure a high quality continuum of services is available to all KIPPsters.

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant will be licensed by the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce with a minimum of 1 year experience as a school-based COTA.

A summary of responsibilities include, but not limited to:

Implement treatment plans designed by the supervising OT to address student goals related to fine motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, and other areas of occupational functioning.

Monitor student progress and report data back to the supervising OT to assess effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

Conduct individual and group therapy sessions as directed by the OT, following the treatment plans and IEP goals.

Provide hands-on therapeutic interventions to enhance student functional skills, including fine motor development, sensory processing, self-care skills, and school-based tasks.

Support students in their physical, sensory, and emotional development through structured therapy sessions.

Assist the OT in gathering data for evaluations, assessments, and observations of students’ abilities in relation to their goals.

Participate in IEP meetings, offering insights into student progress and recommending therapeutic approaches.

Collect and document student progress data based on observation, student performance, and other objective measures.

Maintain accurate, timely, and organized records of therapy services, including progress notes, treatment plans, and student outcomes.

Ensure that all documentation adheres to school and legal requirements, including compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Prepare reports and update student records in collaboration with the OT.

Work closely with the OT to review and discuss progress and challenges for students receiving services.

Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education staff, and other professionals to integrate therapy goals into the school day and support students in the least restrictive environment.

Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding progress and any concerns regarding therapy interventions.

Assist in modifying classroom environments and activities to meet the needs of students requiring occupational therapy.

Provide suggestions and recommendations to teachers and staff for classroom adaptations and accommodations.

Participate in school meetings, IEP planning, and team discussions as needed.

Engage in continuing education and training to stay current with best practices in school-based occupational therapy and related services.

Attend and participate in staff meetings, workshops, and professional development opportunities as required.

Minimum of 1 year experience as a school-based COTA

Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program

Successful completion of the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) certification exam

Active Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Pupil Services License as an COTA

Knowledge of common developmental disabilities, sensory processing disorders, and academic challenges faced by students with disabilities

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.

Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Familiarity with IEPs, IDEA, and the legal framework of special education services.

Ability to maintain patient and empathetic communication with students, families, and staff.

Organizational skills and the ability to document and track progress consistently.

The COTA must be able to stand, bend, lift, and support students during therapy sessions.

Must be capable of assisting with physical tasks such as setting up therapy stations, lifting therapy materials, and supporting students during activities.

Must be able to provide therapy in various settings within the school, including classrooms, gymnasiums, and sensory rooms.

Extreme flexibility, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate high levels of responsibility and multiple priorities

Model the values of KIPP Columbus (Imagine, Navigate, Seek, Persevere, Integrity, Responsibility, and Empathy)

Travel may be required

Compensation and Benefits

KIPP Columbus offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit plan including medical and dental insurance, as well as group term life insurance, retirement plan and paid time off.

Statement of Non-Disclosure

KIPP Columbus is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying to the school for consideration of any position (admission, employment, etc.). KIPP Columbus does not discriminate on the basis of disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 4112.02 of the Ohio Revised Code.