Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in Exeter

Position Purpose: To assist in providing appropriate aspects of occupational therapy to students in the school setting while under the supervision of licensed therapists.

Key Responsibilities

• Implements and executes services as determined through the IEP process.
• Communicates with families and other members of the team.
• Provides documentation as needed by the OTR.
• Develops and enhances professional skills.
• Supports and participates in department operations and development.
• Reports any changes in student needs to the supervising therapist on a timely basis.

Performance Responsibilities

• Assists with establishing, implementing and collecting data on therapy goals and objectives.
• Provides and develops individual and group therapy activities to assist with meeting the student’s goals and objectives.
• Adapts school and classroom environment, tools and materials under the supervision of the occupational therapist to improve student functioning and facilitate access to curricular and instructional activities.
• Participates in screening and assessment using standardized measures, formal and informal tests as designated by supervising occupational therapist(s).
• Attends meetings and workshops (e.g., IEPs, training, team meetings) to convey and/or receive information, including best practices for school OT delivery at the request of the supervising OT.
• Consults with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, teachers, instructional assistants, families, etc. to provide requested information, review/revise students’ occupational therapy goals/objectives, develop plans for services and/or make recommendations to implement goals.
• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons (e.g., positioning, adjusting special equipment) to provide appropriate care and support the student’s IEP plan in the classroom.
• Maintains files and records in cooperation with the occupational therapist (e.g., progress reports, data logs) to document activities and ensure an up‑to‑date trail for compliance with regulations.
• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and properly working condition to implement motor/therapy goals.
• Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals to ensure compliance with established practices and procedures.
• Provides services at multiple work sites/schools as required.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g., intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools, community resources) to determine the appropriate approach for addressing students’ functional goals.
• Responsible for transporting a variety of items (e.g., puzzles, games, assistive devices, assessment tools) to provide materials required for therapy sessions.
• Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g., computer technology) to ensure equipment is in proper working order or to provide alternative strategies.
• Provides personal transportation with mileage reimbursed.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding student information.

Qualifications

• Initial certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Licensed by the New Hampshire Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
• Associate degree in Occupational Therapy from an approved and accredited program.
• Minimum of one year experience with a background in pediatrics, school system, assistive technology or sensory integration is desirable.

Other Considerations

• This position requires lifting and physical handling of students of all ages with multiple disabilities.
• Additional precautions are needed regarding bodily fluids as the COTA may be involved with feeding, oral motor programming, and toileting.
• Working conditions vary from a well‐equipped therapy room to a hallway, storeroom or other noisy crowded areas due to space constraints.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills is necessary.