Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) - Part Time (10-15 hours/week) at Element Education: Community Montessori & Dimensions Collaborative Charter Schools (San Diego County)
Job Summary
Job Summary
Seeking resourceful, creative, and driven candidates interested in joining a team dedicated to developing innovative practices, efficient systems, and strong relationships while cultivating a generation of life-long and self-determined learners. Come join our growing team!
Job Description / Essential Elements:
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The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is a classified, non-exempt position with Element Education. Under the direct supervision of a licensed and/or registered Occupational Therapist (OT) and the SPED Program Manager, the COTA is primarily responsible for assisting in supplementing, enhancing, and extending occupational therapy services by completing a variety of tasks including, but not limited to, activities designed by the OT to assist with assessment, intervention, treatment, and activities to enhance motor, sensory, self-regulatory, feeding, and other functional abilities.
Essential Functions
Support Student Learning
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Assist with screenings, assessments, and occupational therapy services
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Follow and implement documented IEP plans and protocols and treatment plans established the OT, including exercises and activities
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Document student progress toward meeting established objectives and report information to the OT
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Assist the OT during assessments with formal documentation
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Prepare therapy materials and/or equipment for use in the classroom and therapy activities
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Adapt or modify instructional materials and/or equipment as determined by student needs and abilities for teacher use in the classroom
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Assist in maintaining student records, tallying data, preparing charts, records, graphs, and reports
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Assist in organizing classroom activities such as displaying educational materials, arranging furniture to facilitate instructional requirements and create an orderly and clean learning environment
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Implement behavior management programs for students as designed by certified staff, observe and report significant student behavior, behavioral patterns, and/or other problems to the OT
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Modify and differentiate lessons to meet students needs and progress with guidance from OT
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Work with students individually and in small groups
- Collaborate with the student services team
Note: The COTA works with students under the direction of the OT to provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services by utilizing specialized equipment and treatment techniques to designated students according to goals contained in an individual educational program (IEP) or 504 plan.
Accountability and General Administration
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Prepare materials and perform clerical duties
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Return all correspondence, including phone calls and emails, within a reasonable period of time; Be accessible during business hours and respond to administrative needs and inquiries in a timely manner
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Attend and participate in all required meetings, trainings, and school functions; Promote and participate in creative exchange of ideas
- Observe confidentiality
Public Relations
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Develop positive relationships with parents and general public associated with the organization
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Communicate and support the school’s mission, policies, and procedures
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Represent Element Education and its programs in a positive and professional manner
- Assist with maintaining a positive and effective work environment; Treat all staff with respect, provide opportunities for participation in decision making, and be responsive to the human needs of staff members
Professional and Organizational Development
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Seek innovative approaches to self-directed learning and formal training
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Practice reflective observation regularly; Maintain growth mindset
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In collaboration with the Director of Student Services, SPED Program Manager, and Occupational Therapist, plan for own career growth and ongoing professional development
- Understand and contribute to the Organization’s vision, growth, and development
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Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
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Knowledge of:
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occupational therapy equipment, materials, procedures, and methodologies
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child development, learning patterns in children, physical and mental disorders than can affect pediatric occupational performance
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student behavior management techniques and strategies
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a variety of screening tools, protocols, and forms of documentation
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Ability to:
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Maintain records and document student progress as directed by supervisor
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Maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff
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Effectively implement therapy objectives
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Receive instruction and training in relevant areas
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Actively engage in activities with students including play, bend, kneel, lift, and sit at a child’s level
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Remotely and/or virtually perform duties and attend meetings, as needed
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exercise emotional maturity in communicating effectively and tactfully with students, parents, and colleagues including ability to effectively deal with attitudes and behaviors of students
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Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Use appropriate language, tone, and English usage
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establish and maintain effective relationships; be approachable and professional
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work independently with minimal supervision; be self-motivated and well-organized
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think strategically and independently
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accept responsibility and constructive criticism
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Be flexible and adaptable to changing environments and schedules
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Strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and a passion for helping individuals with occupational therapy challenges
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Commitment to student learning and success for all students
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Familiarity and commitment to the mission and educational philosophy of Element Education
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Demonstrate considerable knowledge of technology, Microsoft Office 365 and its’ applications, and DocuSign
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Demonstrated ability of time management, including ability to work under pressure, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
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Demonstrate good judgement
- Demonstrate willingness to help others and foster a cooperative and positive working environment
Requirements
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Valid and current Occupational Therapy Assistant certification from California Board of Occupational Therapy
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Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy
- Previous experience working in a pediatric or education setting as a COTA is strongly preferred.
Upon Hire/Offer
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First Aid/CPR/AED certification
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Proof that employee is free of active tuberculosis (i.e. TB risk assessment, TB test, X-ray, etc.)
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Successful background clearance
Salary: As per Administrative Salary Scale
Benefits: Supplemental Insurance; 403(b)/457(b) retirement programs; Accrued PTO
Work Schedule: 10 months
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
* May require travel throughout San Diego County.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to read, speak, see, and hear well enough to communicate by telephone, electronically, in person, and in the classroom. Employee must also regularly be able to write, file, type, and operate a computer, telephone, general office equipment, and classroom equipment. While in the classroom, the employee is also regularly required to extend arm with upper extremities to write on a whiteboard which may require neck rotation to look back at the class. The employee must frequently stand and walk throughout the classroom while maneuvering in tight spaces as well as frequently kneel, stoop, or crouch when working with classroom equipment, helping students, etc. A moderate amount of work is completed on electronic mobile and desktop devices. The employee will occasionally sit for an extended period of time which is done at a desk with forward bending from the waist, leaning on forearms, and looking down which requires neck flexion. It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc., occasionally or frequently, depending on the day. Employee might occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or move materials and classroom furniture to manipulate the classroom layout and be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. The employee is required to deal with irate members of the public and stressful situations.
The employee must have reliable transportation and be able to attend meetings at various Element Education regions.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position works in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, classrooms, outdoors, home office, Learning Centers, and the Administrative Office, and may experience heat or cold extremes as well as fumes, odors, and dust. Noise level is moderate to loud.
Element Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Requirements / Qualifications
Requirements / Qualifications
Application Deadline
Until Filled
Date Posted
12/4/2024
Contact
Kiran Sihota
760-743-5818
760-743-5818
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Length of Work Year
10 months per year
Employment Type
Part Time