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.
• Submits recommendations for OT based equipment needs to direct supervisor/s and/or person responsible for approving purchases on site. Submits purchase orders for approved equipment as per site procedure and maintains all OT equipment as needed.
• Collaborate with staff and families to integrate occupational therapy strategies into home, school, and residential environments.
• Completes all required documentation in a timely and effective manner including but not limited to summaries for PPTs, scoring IEPs, and reports from screenings.
• Maintain CT licensure, NBCOT certification, and personal malpractice insurance and complete agency required training and meet health requirements initially and annually.
• Consults with student's team making recommendations for treatment, adaptations, modifications, and other supports to educational program based upon clinical judgment and best practice guidelines. Works collaboratively with educational team to ensure the student is receiving effective and consistent interventions to assist in meeting all therapeutic and academic goals.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and clinical reviews.
• Maintain accurate records in compliance with licensing and agency standards.
• Monitor equipment and materials for safety and cleanliness.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all individuals served.
• Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT). Apply training techniques appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served, staff, and others in the environment. Demonstrate competency in de-escalation strategies, safe physical interventions, and adherence to agency protocols.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Skills, knowledge, and abilities include:

Skills:

• 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.
• Skilled in data collection, clinical documentation, and implementation of therapeutic strategies.
• Competence in using adaptive equipment and technology to support therapeutic interventions.
• Proficient in maintaining professional boundaries and practicing confidentiality.

Knowledge:

• Understanding of occupational therapy principles and practices in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Familiarity with the physical, emotional, and cognitive developmental stages from childhood to young adulthood.
• Knowledge of ASD and IDD, including the behavioral, sensory, and functional challenges commonly associated.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, person-centered planning, and positive behavior supports.
• Awareness of documentation standards and clinical goal tracking methodologies.
• Knowledge of safety and infection control protocols relevant to therapeutic settings.

Abilities:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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.

A job description is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

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