<p>POSITION: Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)</p> <p>The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant is responsible for implementing intervention and therapy regarding students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g., perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) under the direction of an Occupational Therapist. This position will begin in the 2025-26 SY.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:</p> <ul> <li>Adapts school and classroom environment, tools, and materials under the Occupational Therapist's supervision to improve student functioning and facilitate student access to curricular and instructional activities </li><li>Assists Occupational Therapist with assessing students' fine motor and development skills (e.g., oral motor, sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, daily living activities, fine motor function postural tone, etc.) to determine their deficits and develop recommendations </li><li>Attends meetings and workshops (e.g., IEPs, training, team meetings, conferences, meetings with outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information, including best practices for school OT delivery </li><li>Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents, and other involved persons (e.g., positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student's IEP plan for use in the classroom </li><li>Maintains files and/or records in cooperation with the Occupational Therapist (e.g., progress reports, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance with various state, federal, and administrative regulations </li><li>Maintain treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working conditions to implement motor/therapy goals </li><li>Prepares written materials (e.g., activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, etc.) to document activities, provide written reference, and/or conveying information </li><li>Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g., computer technology, etc.) to ensure that equipment is in proper working order and/or providing alternative strategies </li><li>Provides ESY and summer services under the direction of a supervising OT </li><li>Other duties as assigned by Supervisor </li></ul> <p>SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND KNOWLEDGE:</p> <ul> <li>Holds a valid Maryland license as a Certified Occupation Therapist Assistant from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) </li><li>Knowledge of FERPA and HIPPA </li><li>Knowledge of Maryland rules and regulations regarding occupational therapy as both a program and related service option. </li><li>Knowledge of IDEA and the IEP process </li><li>Knowledge of current testing programs and mandated assessment tools </li><li>Knowledge of current educational issues and best practices </li><li>Knowledge of effective intervention strategies </li><li>Ability to apply problem-solving processes and creative thinking skills </li><li>Ability to recognize student strengths and weaknesses in communication </li><li>Ability to analyze and interpret assessment data and maintain accurate student records </li><li>Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and maintain confidentially </li><li>Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, co-workers, administrators, and public </li><li>Ability to work with teachers and students to demonstrate ways of supporting students in the regular classroom </li><li>Ability to work and communicate effectively with students who have various cognitive and physical limitations </li></ul> <p>DUTY YEAR AND SALARY:</p> <p>This is a 208-day appointed support position. Salary and benefits are based on the appropriate support salary scale (P-01) and in accordance with the Worcester County Educational Support Negotiated Agreement.</p> <p>APPLICATION PROCEDURE:</p> <ul> <li>Each candidate meeting the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) position's employment qualifications must submit a completed online application available from our website at www.worcesterk12.org. </li><li>Please upload a letter of interest that addresses the essential functions of the position along with a resume. </li><li>Applications received by the vacancy announcement due date will be prescreened. </li><li>The selected applicants will be invited for an interview. </li></ul> <p>If you have any questions or require assistance in completing the online application, please contact Debbie Powell at 410-632-5120 or email us at wcpshr@worcesterk12.org.</p> <p>If accommodations are needed for the interview, they will be provided with an advance request.</p> <p>This position will be opened until filled.</p> <p>The Worcester County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Supervisor of Human Resources, Worcester County Board of Education, 6270 Worcester Highway, Newark, MD 21841, 410-632-5000.</p>