SY 26/27 - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - Paradise Valley

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.

Position Summary

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

To provide treatment therapy, as defined by the occupational therapist, to eligible students; to provide occupational training and information to teachers and staff; and to assist in the assessment of students

Essential Functions

• Provide treatment therapy to eligible students to achieve specified educational objectives as defined by the occupational therapist
• Consult with teachers and occupational therapists to assist with the evaluation and potential solutions to treatment and therapy problems for students and for adherence to the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Assist in the evaluation and assessment of eligible students to determine appropriate treatment therapies to achieve objectives
• Confer with assigned occupational therapist to assist in the evaluation of students’ progress and to update IEPs
• Prepare documentation (i.e. weekly attendance records, progress data collection, etc) to provide written verification and documentation of progress
• Travel between sites, as assigned, to perform therapeutic activities
• Attend assigned meetings and/or in-services to gather information needed to perform job functions
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Regular and on-time attendance required

Skills Required:

• Accredited college graduate or technical training program for Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Valid AOTCB certification; valid license issued by the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners as a COTA
• Valid Arizona driver’s license
• Developmental, pediatric of school-based experience preferred
• Ability to contribute and participate in the assessment, intervention and documentation process
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently and to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with district personnel and other team members

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Experience with the School Based Medicaid Program preferred.
• Experience with eIEP-pro software preferred.
• 2-3 years’ experience working in a Microsoft applications environment (ex: Word, Excel)

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stoop, reach, stand, walk, lift, pull, push, grasp, talk, hear, see and use repetitive motions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds of materials, etc. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment:
The Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

#IND4

Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!