Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed care in a therapeutic, supportive, and person-centered environment. Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the COTA assists in implementing treatment plans, promoting functional independence, and enhancing participation in daily living, educational, recreational, and vocational activities across residential, educational, and community settings.

Schedules are flexible, may include early mornings, evenings, overnights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, mandated overtime, mandated holds, and on call responsibilities.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Carry out prescribed treatment interventions designed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Assist individuals in developing skills related to self-care, motor coordination, sensory integration, and daily living activities.
• Document services provided and progress toward treatment goals accurately and timely.
• Collaborate with staff and families to integrate occupational therapy strategies into home, school, and residential environments.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely and effective manner.
• Maintain CT licensure, NBCOT certification, and personal malpractice insurance and complete agency required training and meet health requirements initially and annually.
• Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT).
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Skills, knowledge, and abilities include:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, families, and individuals served.
• Effective time management, organization, and prioritization of workload.
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and solution-focused in a dynamic, trauma-informed environment.
• Competence in using adaptive equipment and technology to support therapeutic interventions.
• Ability to implement occupational therapy plans under the direction of an Occupational Therapist.
• Ability to adapt treatment activities to individual needs, environments, and skill levels.
• Ability to observe, assess, and report on progress and functional abilities.
• Ability to physically assist individuals with transfers, mobility, and therapeutic exercises.
• Ability to model appropriate behavior, communication, and problem-solving strategies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team in varied settings.

Education, experience, and other qualifications include:

• State of Connecticut Department of Public Health-Occupational Therapist Assistant Credential Required.
• Associate's Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Valid state licensure or eligibility for licensure as required.
• Experience working with individuals with ASD and/or IDD preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to complete and maintain relevant certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR, crisis intervention).

Work environment and physical demands include:

• Work is performed in residential, clinical, or community-based settings.
• May involve crisis response and physical intervention in accordance with training.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist individuals with daily living activities.
• Ability to be on feet for extended periods and participate in recreational or community-based activities with residents.
• Perform all requirements of physical management techniques (PMT).
• Exposure to behaviors that may require de-escalation or intervention.

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