Length of Position: Temporary
Type of Benefits: Full
Months per year: 10
Number of hours per week: 37.5
Number of days per week: 5
State Salary Schedule: Yes
General Statement of Job Duties:
Under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), provides occupational therapy services to students identified as eligible for occupational therapy through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
Assists in implementing therapy interventions designed to improve students' ability to participate in educational activities and school-related occupations.
The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) collaborates with occupational therapists, teachers, administrators, parents, and related service providers to support students with disabilities in achieving educational goals.
The employee reports to the Director of Exceptional Children Services and/or assigned EC Coordinator or Central Office Supervisor and receives clinical supervision from a licensed Occupational Therapist in accordance with North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Service Delivery
Implements occupational therapy intervention plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Provides direct and indirect occupational therapy services to students as outlined in IEPs and service plans.
Assists students in developing skills related to educational participation, self-care, fine motor development, sensory processing, functional mobility, visual-motor integration, and school-related tasks.
Carries out therapeutic activities, exercises, and programs designed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Assists with classroom-based interventions, adapted equipment, environmental modifications, and assistive technology implementation.
Provides support to educational personnel regarding therapeutic strategies and accommodations under the direction of the Occupational Therapist.
Reinforces therapy techniques and strategies with students, staff, and families as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
Assists with monitoring student responses to intervention and reports observations to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Travels between school locations to provide services as assigned.
Documentation and Compliance
Maintains accurate and timely records of services provided.
Documents student participation, progress, and performance during therapy sessions according to district, state, and federal requirements.
Assists the Occupational Therapist in collecting data needed for progress reporting and annual reviews.
Completes Medicaid/Fee-for-Service documentation and billing requirements for eligible students as assigned.
Maintains clinical and administrative records in accordance with professional standards, North Carolina regulations, and school system policies.
Participates in Random Moment Time Studies (RMTS) and other required Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) activities.
Collaboration and Consultation
Collaborates with Occupational Therapists, teachers, administrators, related service providers, and families to support student participation in educational programs.
Shares observations regarding student performance and progress with the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Assists with implementing classroom strategies and accommodations recommended by the Occupational Therapist.
Participates in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings as requested by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Supports communication between school staff, families, and therapy personnel regarding intervention strategies and student needs.
Equipment and Environmental Support
Assists with the implementation, adjustment, maintenance, and monitoring of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
Assists in identifying equipment needs and reports recommendations to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Helps maintain therapy materials, supplies, and equipment inventories.
Supports environmental modifications designed by the Occupational Therapist to increase student access and participation.
Professional Responsibilities
Maintains current North Carolina licensure and NBCOT certification as required.
Participates in continuing education activities to maintain professional competence and licensure requirements.
Adheres to the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy regulations, and district policies.
Maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA, and district procedures.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Training and Experience
Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program recognized by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Successful completion of all required fieldwork experiences.
Experience working with children or in educational, pediatric, healthcare, or rehabilitation settings preferred.
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver''s license and ability to travel between assigned school locations.
Special Requirements
Current certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Current North Carolina Occupational Therapy Assistant License issued by the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy (NCBOT).
Must work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist in accordance with North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy regulations.
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver''s license and maintenance of a safe driving record.
Employee assigned to this position is designated as Category "A" and is subject to McDowell County Schools Policy regarding Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, techniques, and interventions appropriate for school-aged children.
Knowledge of child growth and development.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to special education and occupational therapy services.
Ability to implement occupational therapy interventions under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.
Ability to collect and document accurate data regarding student performance.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community agencies.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional standards.
Ability to organize work independently and manage time effectively.
Ability to travel between assigned schools.
Physical Requirements
Additional Job Functions
Disclaimer
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.