Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Pediatric Early Intervention | Independent Contractor
East Coast Therapies | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC | Irmo, SC*

*Therapists are NOT expected to cover all of these listed areas. These are simply the various, general areas in which we are willing to build you a caseload, so that you can work in your preferred area.

East Coast Therapies is seeking a dependable and compassionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to provide pediatric occupational therapy in homes, daycares, and community settings. This flexible contract opportunity allows you to build a consistent caseload while helping children develop the skills needed to participate more successfully in everyday life.

Compensation

Compensation is paid per completed treatment session and increases with the therapist’s maintained weekly caseload:

• $45-$50 per session: 0–19 sessions per week (Flex Schedule)
• $50-55 per session: 20–29 sessions per week (Part-Time)
• $55-60 per session: 30 or more sessions per week (Full-Time Caseload)

Final compensation is determined by education, experience, pediatric background, reliability, and anticipated caseload.

Additional Compensation

• $0.50 per mile for travel between clients once maintaining at least 20 sessions per week
• $30 for attendance at eligible IFSP meetings, including six-month reviews, annual reviews, and exit or close-out meetings

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized occupational therapy plans of care under OTR supervision
• Provide skilled interventions addressing fine- and gross-motor development, sensory processing, feeding and mealtime participation, cognition, self-care, play, and social-emotional development
• Educate and coach caregivers to support therapeutic carryover within daily routines
• Communicate professionally with families, daycare personnel, Early Interventionists, supervising therapists, and other members of the child’s care team
• Complete accurate documentation within required timeframes using designated EMR and BabyNet systems
• Participate in supervision, care coordination, and IFSP meetings as required
• Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold professional and ethical standards
• Manage scheduling and communicate promptly regarding appointments or changes

Requirements

• Current South Carolina Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant license, or eligibility to obtain one
• Graduation from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel locally between assigned service locations
• Ability to work independently while maintaining consistent communication with the supervising OTR
• Professional liability insurance and any additional credentials required for contract practice
• Interest in pediatric and early-intervention services

Pediatric or early-intervention experience is preferred, but motivated new graduates are encouraged to apply. Training, clinical guidance, and ongoing support are available.

Why Join East Coast Therapies?

• Flexible scheduling and control over your desired caseload size
• Tiered compensation that rewards caseload growth and consistency
• Opportunities to work with children in natural, familiar environments
• Supportive OT supervision and practical pediatric mentorship
• Meaningful work with young children and their families
• Opportunities to develop experience in early intervention, sensory processing, feeding, motor development, caregiver coaching, and functional participation

Path to Salaried Employment

East Coast Therapies offers a potential path from independent contract work to salaried employment for COTAs seeking greater long-term stability and benefits.

Contractors who maintain a full-time caseload with ECT for at least one year and consistently demonstrate strong clinical performance, dependable documentation, effective caseload management, professional communication, and commitment to the children and families we serve may become eligible for consideration for a salaried employee position.

Our salaried employment package is designed to offer consistent pay regardless of individual cancellations, along with benefits such as health-insurance support, paid time off, paid holidays, professional-development opportunities, and additional employment protections and support.

Transitioning to salaried employment is optional and is based on demonstrated performance, continued caseload availability, organizational needs, and mutual agreement. Contractors who prefer the flexibility of per-session compensation may remain in the contract model.

Job Type: Independent Contractor
Work Location: In person

Company Description

East Coast Therapies is a growing, therapist-owned pediatric practice providing occupational therapy to children in their homes, daycares, and communities throughout South Carolina. We specialize in early intervention and functional, play-based care while supporting our therapists through flexible scheduling, clinical mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for long-term growth.

Company Description

East Coast Therapies is a growing, therapist-owned pediatric practice providing occupational therapy to children in their homes, daycares, and communities throughout South Carolina. We specialize in early intervention and functional, play-based care while supporting our therapists through flexible scheduling, clinical mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for long-term growth.