Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

At CWO, we have created a team where ABA, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech & Language Therapy providers come together, united by a common goal – providing comprehensive and integrated therapy services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disorders. By combining our expertise, we create a powerful synergy that enhances the effectiveness of each therapy modality. We are working at the forefront of innovation in the field of early childhood therapy. Do you enjoy collaborating with others in a multi‑disciplinary approach? Are you looking for a workplace that fosters a true sense of inclusion and belonging? Do you LOVE play‑based therapy? Are you looking for a workplace with growth and development opportunities? We have 4 clinics in the KC area: Grain Valley, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, and Platte Woods, MO. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Reports to: Supervising Occupational Therapist Healthcare setting: Clinic Medical specialties: Pediatrics Work Location: On‑site Job Type: Part‑time, Full‑Time Position Summary The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides goal‑directed, play‑based interventions to help children of all abilities gain the skills needed for the jobs of childhood. The COTA implements individualized treatment plans to improve functional independence, social participation, and quality of life for children with diverse developmental, neurological, and sensory processing needs. Key Treatment Responsibilities Facilitate independence in self‑care tasks, including dressing, hygiene, and grooming, using adaptive techniques or equipment. Implement sensory‑rich activities (e.g., swinging, heavy work, tactile play) to help children regulate their nervous systems and improve responses to environmental stimuli. Support oral‑motor development and mealtime participation for children with picky eating, food aversions, or swallowing difficulties. Use engaging tasks like drawing, cutting, and manipulation of small objects to strengthen hand muscles, improve handwriting, and enhance hand‑eye coordination. Design activities and movement‑based games that build postural stability, balance, and bilateral coordination. Teach emotional regulation tools and organizational strategies to help children navigate transitions and social interactions. Provide families with “home programs” and education to ensure therapeutic progress carries over into the child’s natural environment. Responsibilities Therapeutic Treatment: Lead or co‑treat individual and group therapy sessions using play‑based, evidence‑based interventions tailored to each child’s unique developmental needs. Evaluation Support: Assist the Occupational Therapist (OTR) with comprehensive evaluations and re‑evaluations to determine functional baselines and track progress. Caseload Management: Efficiently manage a diverse pediatric caseload, ensuring the consistent delivery of high‑quality care across multiple clinic locations as needed. Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Participate in multi‑disciplinary clinical meetings and progress reviews to ensure a holistic, integrated approach to each child’s care. Education & Advocacy: Provide in‑service training and home‑program education for staff, parents, and caregivers to promote best practices and carryover of skills. Professionalism: Adhere to all Children With Opportunity policies, maintaining a positive, solution‑oriented attitude that fosters team spirit and caregiver confidence. Clinical Documentation: Maintain timely and accurate treatment records, progress notes, and data collection in strict accordance with insurance and clinic standards. Clinic Stewardship: Operate and maintain all therapy equipment per guidelines while ensuring a safe, efficient, and clean environment for patients and staff. Program Development: Contribute to proactive problem‑solving and program enhancements to improve clinic efficiency and service delivery. Requirements Have certification as Occupational Therapist Assistant Licensed in the state of Missouri Criminal Background Check Must be able to obtain and maintain a CPR certification Preferred 1-2 years of experience working with the pediatric population Collaborative team member Enthusiastic and ethical Enjoy working with children Professional and works with integrity Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and spend time on your feet as well as an ability to lift items up to 25 lbs on occasion Pay: $47,800 - $53,850 Hours: 16-40 per week Compensation and Benefits Competitive salary based on experience with the opportunity to move into Clinical Director or Operations roles as you progress in your career. Professional Development Medical, dental, and vision benefits Retirement Plan Paid Time Off 8 Paid Holidays Collaborative work environment NOTE: The preceding statements describe the nature and level of assignments normally given job incumbents. They are not an exhaustive list of duties. Additional duties may be assigned. Children With Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We take pride in the diversity of our staff, and seek diversity in our applicants. Children With Opportunity does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. Children With Opportunity reserves the right to seek, hire, and promote individuals who support the goals and mission of the organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr