Under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist and/or the assigned administrator, will participate as a member of the education team to treat severely physically disabled students and report on the student's progress in attaining goals and objectives. The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) may, with prior approval, adjust specific treatment procedure in accordance with changes in student status. Employees in this classification receive limited supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. This job class performs a variety of activities essential to student performance in sensory processing, organization and integration, motor planning and coordination, fine motor abilities and self-help judgment. This job class requires that employees meet national and state proactive codes and standards as well as professional training and certification requirements.

Knowledge/Abilities:

The intellectual, sensory and physical development of young children; techniques used in the assessment and treatment of disabilities; child guidance principles and practices related to children with special education needs; a variety of current treatment approaches appropriate to meet the student needs, instructional goals and classroom support; correct English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar and math; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; recordkeeping and report preparation techniques; assist in the assessments of the developmental status and education needs of young children; work collaboratively in trans-disciplinary teams; work collaboratively with families; monitor and evaluate student progress; work independently with little supervision; work collaboratively to prepare lessons and instructional materials for students; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; operate a variety of office and instructional equipment including a computer and assigned software; maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information; maintain professional behavior and appearance with all student related contacts; understand and work within scope of authority and defined guidelines; observe health and safety regulations; administer First Aid and CPR; drive a vehicle to conduct work; handle all matters in a tactful, courteous, and confidential manner.

Physical Abilities:

Able to push and pull objects weighing up to forty (4) pounds up to two (2) hours per day. Able to lift and/or carry up to twenty (20) pounds up to four (4) hours per day, and fifty (50) pounds occasionally up to one (1) hour per day.

Education/Experience:

Graduation from an approved program for occupational therapy assistants. Two years experience as a certified occupational therapy assistant with a primary focus on sensory integration therapy with pediatric clients; or any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Experience in public school classroom desired. A work history demonstrating reliability and good atendance.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES:

Possess Certification by the American Occupatonal Therapy Certification Board as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Possess and maintain a First Aid certification and CPR certificate.

Positions in this classification require the use of a personal automobile, the possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License, and proof of current and appropriate auto insurance coverage.

If required to drive a District vehicle, must be insurable at standard market rates under the District's insurance policy.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

Visual ability to read handwritten or typed documents and the display screen of various office equipment and machines.
Able to conduct verbal conversation in English or other designated language.
Able to hear normal range verbal conversation (approximately 60 decibels).
Able to sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, and walk.
Able to sit for sustained periods of time.
Able to kneel or squat for extended periods of time.
Able to climb slopes, stairs, steps, ramps, and ladders and push and pull objects.
Able to lift and/or carry up to twenty (20) pounds up to four (4) hours per day, and fifty (50) pounds occasionally upto one (1) hour per day.
Able to push and pull objects weighing up to forty (40) pounds up to two (2) hours per day.
Able to exhibit full range of mition for shoulder external rotation and internal rotation, shoulder abduction and adduction, elbow flexion and extension, shoulder expension and flexion, back lateral flexion, hip flexion and exension and knee flexion.
Able to demonstrate manual dexterity necesary to operate calculator, typewriter, and/or computer keyboard at the required speed and accuracy in a safe and effective manner.