Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

The Hope Learning Center Bringing Hope, Building Futures

At The Hope Learning Center, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive. As the premier provider of educational and therapeutic services for individuals with special needs, we're committed to creating an environment where students, families, and staff feel supported and inspired. Our team is made up of compassionate, collaborative professionals who bring patience, perseverance, and trust to every interaction.

We are seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our therapy team. In this role, you'll work directly with children with developmental delays and other learning differences, supporting them through purposeful activities and interventions designed to improve independence and quality of life.

Why COTAs Choose Hope:

• Meaningful Work Empower children and families through life-changing therapies
• Collaboration Work closely with therapists, teachers, and other professionals
• Growth & Development Opportunities for training, mentorship, and continuing education
• Supportive Environment A mission-driven workplace built on patience, perseverance, and trust
• Comprehensive Benefits Health, dental, vision, PTO, and 401k plan

What You'll Do:

• Provide direct treatment services to children with developmental delays using strategies such as sensory integration, therapeutic listening, and assistive technology
• Carry out treatment plans and adapt as needed under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist
• Document services, maintain case notes, and ensure compliance with deadlines and standards
• Collaborate with parents, teachers, and other service providers to support treatment goals at home, in school, and in the community
• Assist with training staff, parents, and caregivers on therapy techniques and program implementation
• Support clients individually or in groups to improve functional outcomes and independence
• Participate in team meetings, professional development, and service delivery improvement efforts
• Perform other duties as assigned to support student success

What We're Looking For:

• Education & Licensure: Current Occupational Therapy Assistant License
• Experience: Prior work with children or individuals with developmental delays (preferred)
• Skills: Strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration abilities; ability to adapt and work independently while thriving in a team environment

Required Clearances & Training:

• Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance
• Act 34 State Criminal History Clearance
• Act 114 FBI Clearance (DOE)
• Act 168 Clearance (as applicable)
• Mandated Reporter Training
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Recent Physical/TB Test

Physical Demands:

This role requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, and engage in physical activity with children. Occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.), bending, kneeling, or crouching may be necessary. Visual and motor coordination is essential for therapeutic activities.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

The Hope Center is committed to maintaining fair and equitable employment practices in compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements. All employment policies, procedures, and practices shall be designed to ensure equal opportunity, prohibit discrimination and retaliation, and promote an inclusive workplace.

Policy Statement

The Hope Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. Employment decisions will be based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, consistent with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.

Protected Characteristics

No person shall be discriminated against, harassed, or retaliated against on the basis of:

• Race (including hair type, hair texture, or hair style)
• Color
• Religious creed (including observance, practice and belief)
• Disability (physical, intellectual, developmental, or mental health)
• Ancestry or national origin
• Age (40 and over)
• Sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation
• Genetic information
• Veteran or military status
• Familial or martial status
• Or any other characteristic protected under applicable law

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to:

• Recruitment, hiring, and job advertisements
• Assignments, classifications, and promotions
• Compensation, benefits, and training
• Transfers, discipline, and termination
• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would cause undue hardship
• Protection for retaliation for good-faith reports or participation in investigations

Enforcement & Reporting

Managers, supervisors, and employees share responsibility for upholding this policy. Any person who believes that have been subject to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should report the matter through established grievance or HR reporting process. The Hope Center shall investigate promptly and take appropriate corrective action. No individual will be retaliated against for making a good-faith complaint or participating in an investigation.