Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Qualifications:
- Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
- Holds a current South Dakota license as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
- Works under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, in accordance with South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners guidelines.
Reports to:
Director of Special Services
Supervising Occupational Therapist (OT)
Primary Function:
To support the delivery of occupational therapy services to students (birth to 21 years old) as a related service under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The COTA works under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to help students develop functional skills for school participation, including fine motor coordination, visual/perceptual motor skills, adaptive equipment use, sensory processing, and independence in daily school routines.
Performance Responsibilities:
A. Essential Skills:
- Demonstrate knowledge of special education procedures and related service delivery.
- Conduct student observations, interviews, and data collection as assigned by the OT.
- Administer selected assessments and complete clinical observations under the OT’s direction. Interpretation of assessment data is the responsibility of the OT.
- Assist in planning and implementing therapeutic interventions developed by the OT.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with staff, families, and students.
- Exhibit strong written communication and documentation skills.
- Demonstrate understanding of child development, sensory integration, motor planning, and therapeutic strategies.
- Meet physical requirements of the role, including working on the floor and assisting with student positioning.
- Manage schedule efficiently and prioritize responsibilities.
- Travel between assigned school buildings as needed.
- Collaborate with educational staff, service providers, and families under OT supervision.
- Maintain documentation in compliance with district, state, and licensure standards.
B. Other Duties:
- Serve as a supportive resource to the IEP team and school staff under OT supervision.
- Assist with referrals or coordination with external agencies as directed by the OT.
- Support the development and implementation of IEPs by contributing documentation and progress updates, as assigned by the OT.
- Deliver therapeutic activities and supports that are consistent with the student’s treatment plan developed by the OT.
- Attend IEP, IFSP, MDT, and staff meetings when requested by the OT or Director of Special Services.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising Occupational Therapist or Director of Special Services.
Evaluation:
Performance will be evaluated according to Huron School District policies and procedures, with input from the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Position Contact: Director of Special Services, Ralyna Abelseth - ralyna.abelseth@k12.sd.us
Open Until Filled
DISCLAIMER: The preceding description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required. These may be changed, added, or deleted at any time with or without notice. Personnel may be required to perform duties outside the scope of their normal responsibilities if needed. The Huron School District reserves the right to revise this description at any time.
The Huron School District will not discriminate in any of its policies and programs on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, marital status, or disability, and will not violate any provisions of applicable federal programs, statutes or regulations (e.g., Title IX, Title I, Rehabilitations Act, Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] Section 504). Veterans will receive preferential consideration, as per state law, in our hiring practices.
