Education:           Graduate of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program          

Qualifications:    Licensed by the North Dakota State Examining Committee for Occupational Therapists. Experience in school setting is preferred.

Job Summary:     The job of Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) was established for the purpose/s of providing occupational therapy services to students identified with a variety of needs and disabilities according to each students’ Individualized Educational Plan or 504 Plan and under the direction of an Occupational Therapist.

 Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Provide occupational therapy services to students identified with a variety of needs and disabilities according to each student’s Individuale Educational Plan or 504 Plan.
2. Assist students in gaining functional independence to access their educational environment.
3. Safely operate occupational therapy and related equipment.
4. Schedule and deliver occupational therapy services for students, as identified on special education documentation.
5. Collaborate with team members, including but not limited to: general education teachers, special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical education teachers, nurses, administrators, paraeducators, bus drivers.
6. Effectively communicate with district staff, school staff, students, families, community members, and stakeholders.
7. Support the mission, vision, and values upheld by Grand Forks Public Schools.
8. Follow Grand Forks Public School and Grand Forks Public School Special Education Unit policies and procedures.
9. Complete other tasks, as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; occasionally walk and stand. The ability to hear and see in order to communicate effectively as well as communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties; Maintain mental capacity, allowing for effective interaction and communication with others. 

Occasionally may need to lift up to fifty (50); reaching, standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting, and/or crawling within the classroom.

The employee may encounter situations where students are physically aggressive and/or verbally abusive. This may require physical interaction (using strategies acquired through de-escalation and restraint training) between the employee and student. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be exposed to infection at a greater risk than the average person. May be directly responsible for the safety, well-being and/or output of students.

Terms of Employment:  Nine (9) months, academic school year

Hours:  8 hours/day (approximately), Monday through Friday, when school is in session

Evaluation:  Annual written evaluation completed by Executive Director of Special Education or Assistant Director of Special Education.