Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Specialized Student Services

Occupational Therapy AssistantForbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years. East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.Employment Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)Base Hourly: $28.85Class/Calendar: C41, 9.25 monthsBenefits: Sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurancePerformance Pay: Available annuallyNew Hire Experience: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximumNew Hire Education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the positionJob Summary: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.Key Responsibilities:Provide treatment therapy to eligible students to achieve specified educational objectives as defined by the occupational therapistConsult 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 objectivesConfer with assigned occupational therapist to assist in the evaluation of students' progress and to update IEPsPrepare documentation (i.e. weekly attendance records, progress data collection, etc) to provide written verification and documentation of progressAssist in a two-person lift with students weighing up to 100 pounds between wheelchair, classroom chair, commode, floor, playground equipment, stander, classroom positioning equipment, therapy equipment, etcTravel between sites, as assigned, to perform therapeutic activitiesAttend assigned meetings and/or in-services to gather information needed to perform job functionsPerform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unitRegular and on-time attendance requiredProvide training and information to teachers and staff to assist them in the continuation of treatment of students to achieve desired skillsAssist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activitiesAssists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public SchoolsRequired Qualifications:Accredited college graduate or technical training program for Occupational Therapy AssistantValid AOTCB certification; valid license issued by the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners as a COTAValid Arizona driver's licenseDevelopmental, pediatric or school-based experience preferredSkills & Competencies:Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a GraduateDemonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and communityAbility to contribute and participate in the assessment, intervention and documentation processAbility 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 membersWork Environment & Physical Requirements:Works in elementary, middle, or high schools, including classrooms, therapy rooms, and sometimes playgroundsMay be required to travel between different schools within the districtWorks closely with teachers, special education staff, OTs, and parentsSchools can be busy, requiring the ability to manage distractionsTherapy sessions may involve extended periods of sitting on the floor or standingMay need to assist students with mobility challenges, which can involve lifting, transferring, or repositioning themEqual Opportunity Employer Statement:Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.