Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

South Campus Education Center serves students in grades 9-12+ who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and developmental cognitive disabilities (DCD). At South Campus, staff work closely in partnership with families and community providers to identify instructional priorities for students, which reflect their unique strengths, interests, and learning styles. The South Campus program prepares students to participate fully and as independently as possible in school, at home, and in the community. Research-based, innovative instructional practice, as well as home daily living and work skills are hallmarks of the program at South Campus.

This position is 7 hours/day and 184 days/year. Starting hourly pay is $30.73. Employees with National Certification and State Licensure will receive an additional $2.75 per hour. This position is fully benefit eligible, please click here to review the full contract and benefits offered.

Nature of Work

Incumbents are responsible for providing occupational therapy services under supervision of an Occupational Therapist. Responsibilities may include: researching and planning interventions for students in accordance with IEP (Individualized Education Plan) goals; assisting in performing developmental and related assessments; maintaining work records; reporting on student progress; assisting in determining IEP goals; making equipment recommendations; providing modifications to facilitate student participation in activities.

Typical Class Responsibilities

• Under the direction of an Occupational Therapist, implements therapeutic activities, programs and treatments; assists the Occupational Therapist and staff in adapting school and classroom materials for facilitating student access; and provides direct occupational therapy services to students in compliance with established practices and procedures.
• Conducts evaluation or screenings of students under the guidance of the Occupational Therapists; and documents services rendered such as daily treatment notes, progress reports, and summary reports.
• Coordinates the development of intervention plans with the Occupational Therapist, classroom staff, and other related service providers; assists with the implementation of behavioral and academic intervention plans in accordance with IEP goals; and discusses student progress and concerns.
• Communicates and responds to inquiries from families, teachers, and other staff; provides instructional information to students, staff, and families.
• Recommends, researches, and obtains specialized equipment; and maintains equipment.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Training and Experience Requirements

Associate degree (A.S., A.A.) or two year technical certificate in Occupational Therapy.

Licensing Requirements

Licensed by the MN Board of Occupational Therapy as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Knowledge Requirements

• Occupational therapy principles, practices, ethics, and, safety requirements
• Applicable principles and practices needed to support students with special needs
• Understanding of special needs students and the cultural awareness needed to support those students
• Evaluation, screening, and assessment of special needs student
• Assistive learning tools and technologies
• Teaching and instructions principles and methods
• Customer service principles
• Recordkeeping principles
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Computers and related software applications

Skill Requirements

• Providing occupational therapy intervention
• Evaluating, screening, and assessing of special needs children
• Using assistive learning tools and technologies
• Preparing and maintaining records and reports
• Providing customer service
• Applying local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Operating a computer and related software applications
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

Physical Requirements

Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and seeing.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Commitment to Equity

At Northeast Metro 916, equity means that everyone has access to what they need in order to learn, grow and thrive.

Northeast Metro 916 will not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age or sexual orientation.