Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

About Company: ABAE is a community resource specializing in effective, research-based applied behavioral analysis strategies designed to enhance self-advocacy, independence, and the overall quality of life for our clients — children and their families — who are neurodiverse, have been touched with Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other behavioral and mental health challenges. Must be CPR/First Aid Certified, TB Clearance, and pass livescan/background check.

About the Role:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) plays a vital role in supporting occupational therapists to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. This position involves working directly with individuals of all ages who face physical, developmental, or emotional challenges, enabling them to achieve greater independence and quality of life. The COTA implements treatment plans designed by occupational therapists, adapting activities to meet patient needs and monitoring progress closely. Collaboration with healthcare teams, patients, and families is essential to ensure comprehensive care and effective rehabilitation outcomes. Ultimately, the COTA contributes significantly to the therapeutic process by providing hands-on assistance and fostering patient motivation and engagement throughout their recovery journey.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in the United States.
• Valid state licensure or registration as required by the state of employment.
• Strong understanding of occupational therapy principles and patient care techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in diverse clinical settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or schools.
• Additional training or certification in specialized therapy areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or hand therapy.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and documentation software.
• Bilingual abilities to support communication with a diverse patient population.
• Demonstrated skills in patient education and motivational techniques.

Responsibilities:

• Assist occupational therapists in delivering therapeutic interventions and activities tailored to individual patient goals.
• Monitor and document patient progress, reporting any changes or concerns to the supervising occupational therapist.
• Prepare and maintain treatment areas and equipment to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic environment.
• Educate patients and their families on therapeutic techniques and strategies to support continued progress outside of sessions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and optimize treatment outcomes.

Skills:

The required skills enable the COTA to implement therapeutic activities effectively and adapt interventions to meet individual patient needs, ensuring safety and engagement during sessions. Strong communication skills are essential for educating patients and collaborating with healthcare teams to provide cohesive care. Organizational skills support the management of treatment documentation and preparation of therapy environments. Preferred skills such as proficiency with electronic health records enhance the accuracy and efficiency of patient data management. Additionally, specialized knowledge and bilingual abilities allow the COTA to address a broader range of patient needs and improve overall treatment accessibility.