Pediatric Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Job Description

Job Description

Stepping Stones Therapy, Inc. is a pediatric multidisciplinary therapy practice dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized services to children with a variety of developmental, physical, sensory, and behavioral needs.

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) to implement individualized occupational therapy treatment plans. The COTA provides developmentally appropriate, evidence-based interventions designed to improve children's fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, motor coordination, visual-motor integration, and functional independence.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, energetic, organized, and committed to collaborating with families, therapists, educators, and other professionals to support each child's success.

Essential Job Responsibilities

1. Direct Patient Care and Treatment

• Implement individualized occupational therapy treatment plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Provide direct occupational therapy services to pediatric clients in individual and group settings.
• Facilitate therapeutic activities targeting fine motor coordination, gross motor participation, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, motor planning, self-regulation, and activities of daily living.
• Adapt therapeutic activities, materials, and environmental supports to meet each child's developmental level and individual needs.
• Utilize play-based, functional, and evidence-informed interventions to promote participation and independence.
• Monitor client responses to treatment and communicate progress, concerns, and recommended modifications to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Promote generalization of therapeutic skills across home, school, and community environments.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, engaging, and therapeutic treatment environment.

2. Documentation and Clinical Responsibilities

• Complete accurate, timely, and professional treatment notes in the company's electronic medical record system.
• Document treatment activities, client responses, progress toward established goals, and relevant caregiver education.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with company policies, payer requirements, and applicable professional and regulatory standards.
• Communicate changes in client performance, treatment needs, or clinical concerns to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Assist the supervising Occupational Therapist with gathering clinical observations and treatment-related information for progress reports and reassessments.
• Follow established treatment plans and obtain appropriate direction from the supervising Occupational Therapist before implementing significant treatment modifications.
• Maintain client confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and applicable privacy requirements.

3. Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, Physical Therapists, and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with parents and caregivers regarding treatment activities, home practice strategies, and functional progress within the COTA's scope of practice.
• Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and collaborative treatment planning as appropriate.
• Support a family-centered approach that encourages caregiver participation and carryover of therapeutic strategies.
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with clients, families, colleagues, and referral sources.

4. Supervision and Professional Accountability

• Work under the direction and supervision of a California-licensed Occupational Therapist in accordance with California Board of Occupational Therapy requirements.
• Participate in regularly scheduled supervisory meetings, clinical consultations, and treatment reviews.
• Recognize professional limitations and refer clinical decisions requiring an Occupational Therapist to the supervising therapist.
• Follow established treatment goals and intervention plans developed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Maintain active California licensure and applicable professional credentials.
• Participate in continuing education, professional development, and company-sponsored training activities.
• Demonstrate sound clinical judgment, ethical conduct, and adherence to professional standards.

5. Productivity and Scheduling

• Maintain an organized and consistent treatment schedule in coordination with the administrative and clinical teams.
• Meet established company expectations for productivity, documentation, attendance, and clinical performance.
• Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled treatment sessions, meetings, and supervisory activities.
• Communicate scheduling concerns, cancellations, and changes in availability promptly.
• Assist with maintaining continuity of care when scheduling adjustments are necessary.
• Complete clinical documentation and assigned responsibilities within established company timelines.
• Utilize non-treatment time productively for documentation, treatment preparation, collaboration, and other assigned duties.

6. Clinic Operations and Professional Conduct

• Maintain organized, clean, and safe treatment spaces and equipment.
• Follow infection control, sanitation, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Report client incidents, injuries, safety concerns, or unusual occurrences promptly according to company policy.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Support the mission, values, clinical standards, and operational goals of Stepping Stones Therapy, Inc.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the COTA's scope of practice as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant educational program.
• Current and valid California Occupational Therapy Assistant license.
• Current NBCOT certification, if required by the position or applicable credentialing requirements.
• Current CPR/BLS certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Knowledge of pediatric development, occupational therapy interventions, and therapeutic techniques.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently within the established supervisory structure and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to complete required background checks and employment clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience providing occupational therapy services to children in a pediatric outpatient clinic, school, or early intervention setting.
• Experience working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, ADHD, and motor coordination difficulties.
• Familiarity with sensory integration approaches, self-regulation strategies, fine motor development, and activities of daily living.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary pediatric therapy teams.
• Familiarity with electronic medical records and insurance-based documentation requirements.
• Strong parent education and caregiver coaching skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, squat, bend, and transition between floor and standing positions throughout the workday.
• Ability to participate in active, play-based therapeutic activities with children.
• Ability to lift, carry, and reposition therapy materials and equipment, and assist clients with mobility or positioning as appropriate.
• Ability to provide hands-on therapeutic assistance while maintaining proper body mechanics and safety procedures.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Performance Expectations

Successful performance in this position will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
• Progress toward established client treatment goals.
• Accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of clinical documentation.
• Compliance with supervision requirements and professional standards.
• Achievement of established productivity and scheduling expectations.
• Professional communication with families, supervisors, and colleagues.
• Reliability, attendance, and adherence to company policies.
• Collaboration, initiative, and contribution to a positive clinical environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is based on qualifications, experience, employment classification, and assigned responsibilities.

Eligible employees may receive benefits in accordance with company policies, including:

• Paid time off and applicable paid sick leave.
• Paid holidays for eligible employees.
• Employer-sponsored health insurance benefits for eligible employees.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions, subject to plan terms.
• Continuing education and professional development support.
• Professional licensure and certification reimbursement, when applicable.
• Productivity-based incentive opportunities, subject to eligibility and company policy.
• Supportive multidisciplinary team environment.