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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Organization: 
Southern Oregon Education Service District

The Orthopedic Impairment Program at Southern Oregon Education Service District is seeking a motivated, compassionate and collaborative Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our team.  This position is location-based serving primarily K-12 students in the Grants Pass School District. The beauty and many outdoor and cultural opportunities of the area offer an ideal work/life balance. If you are passionate about working with students to improve their access to learning through school-based therapy, are an excellent team player and communicator, and are looking for a work environment that is professional, positive and intrinsically motivating, this job is for you!

Position Goal: To support the licensed occupational or physical therapist in delivering appropriate school-based therapy services to eligible students under the direct supervision of the licensed therapist. These services may include assessing progress, training and assistance with program development and implementation, data collection, consultation, accessing adaptive materials and attendance at IFSP/IEP meetings
Note: OAR 333-019-1030 Proof of COVID full vaccination status or approved OHA exception is required for this position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Assists occupational/physical therapist with monitoring levels of functioning and progress toward goals.
Adapts school and classroom environment, tools, and materials under the supervision of the occupational/physical therapist for the purpose of improving student access to learning.
Assists the occupational/physical therapist in the development and implementation of therapy programs.
Collects and records data on therapy programs.
Maintains on-going communication with the occupational/physical therapist regarding student progress, status of therapy equipment and effectiveness of occupational/physical therapy programs.
Assists occupational/physical therapist in design, modification, adaptation and procurement of adaptive equipment.
Attends required IFSP/IEP meetings as appropriate, completes OI billing documentation, writes progress notes.
Manages student behavior during therapy.
Makes home visits as necessary.
Respects confidential information.
Maintains regular attendance in order to preserve the continuity of service delivery for the program.
Performs duties in a manner reasonably expected and generally recognized by the profession.
Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with SOESD employees, education agency representatives and other stakeholders
Participate in trainings and professional development.
Participate in team meetings, and other committee meetings regarding program activities.
Follow established SOESD policies and procedures.
Perform physical requirements unaided or with assistance of a reasonable accommodations (see next page).
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:
Graduate of accredited Occupational or Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
Meets COTA/PTA licensing requirements of the OT/PT Therapy Licensing Boards, State of Oregon.
Experience working with children who experience disabilities preferred.
An understanding of school-based therapy services and/or experience working in pediatrics preferred.
Any equivalent combination of experience, certification and training/education, deemed by the district, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this job may be used as an alternative to this prerequisite.

Length of Position:  190 days
 
Salary:  $23.35/hr - $27.97/hr for the 2021-2022 school year.  The 2022-2023 rate of pay for classified staff will be published after bargaining with OSEA has concluded.  
 
Supervisor:  Program Administrator

SOESD Benefits (For .50 FTE and Over):  
Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to 2003.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.   
Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
9 paid holidays 
A generous sick, vacation and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.  
Health Insurance:  
OEBB MODA  
Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance  
Monthly premium deducted pre-tax  
Options:  
Health Savings Accounts  
Flexible Spending Accounts – medical, day-care expenses 
Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity 
403(b) through Carruth Compliance Consulting  
Mercy Flights Membership