Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant or COTA

Duration: _____ Months/__03 Months__weeks

A COTA is a certified occupational therapist assistant and provides occupational therapists with the assistance they need to properly treat patients. Help with developing and implementing treatment plans, directing activity programs, and keeping records of patients' progress.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree program from an accredited school plus NBCOT certification and state licensure

Physical Therapist Responsibilities

• Adapts equipment (e.g., seating, tables, desks, computer hardware, etc.) for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increased independence for special education students.
• Assists Occupational Therapist for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Assists with assessing students' fine motor and development skills (e.g., administering standardized tests, observing students, etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.
• Attends meetings and workshops (e.g., IEPs, training, team meetings, meetings with outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information.
• Consults with occupational therapist, physical therapist, paraprofessionals, speech therapists, teachers, class assistants, families, etc. for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students’ occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents, and other involved persons (e.g., positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student’s IEP plan.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g., progress reports, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance.
• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies (e.g., swings, balls, puzzles, etc.) for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals.
• Performs site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required. Prepares written materials (e.g., activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Presents information (e.g., student performance data, clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback, and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.
• Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures.
• Provides home visits and/or summer therapy services for the purpose of delivering services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Provides training and instruction to teachers on the use of assistive devices for the purpose of ensuring such devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved.
• Research resources and methods (e.g., intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.

Transports a variety of items (e.g., puzzles, games, swings, assistive devices, assessment tools, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions

Experience Required: 01-02+ Years.

Shift: 8-hour days, 5-days per week