Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA/COTA) provides pediatric occupational therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. The OTA implements established treatment plans to help children improve their participation in classroom activities, play, self-care, and daily routines.

The OTA works collaboratively with the supervising Occupational Therapist, families, teachers, childcare staff, administrators, and other professionals to support each child’s educational and developmental goals.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group occupational therapy services according to plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Implement therapeutic activities addressing fine-motor, visual-motor, sensory-processing, self-care, positioning, play, and school-participation skills.
• Support children with handwriting, cutting, classroom-tool use, feeding, dressing, toileting, attention, regulation, and transitions.
• Use adaptive equipment, assistive technology, environmental modifications, and sensory supports as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Observe children’s performance and communicate progress, concerns, and changes to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Collect data and document children’s responses to treatment.
• Complete daily treatment notes, service logs, billing records, progress updates, and other required documentation accurately and on time.
• Assist the Occupational Therapist with screenings, data collection, and evaluation-related activities within the OTA’s permitted scope of practice.
• Contribute relevant information to progress reports and educational planning under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist.
• Attend IEP, IFSP, 504 Plan, parent, and multidisciplinary team meetings when requested and permitted.
• Collaborate with teachers and daycare staff to support therapeutic strategies within daily routines.
• Provide caregiver and staff education consistent with the established treatment plan and the supervising Occupational Therapist’s direction.
• Prepare, clean, organize, and maintain therapy materials and equipment.
• Follow infection-control, child-safety, mandated-reporting, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain student confidentiality and comply with applicable privacy, education, licensing, and organizational requirements.
• Participate in required supervision and communicate regularly with the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Travel between assigned schools and daycare locations as required.
• Perform other duties consistent with the OTA’s professional scope of practice and level of supervision.

Supervision and Scope of Practice

The Occupational Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist in accordance with state law, professional standards, school or facility policies, and payer requirements. The OTA does not independently evaluate children, establish or substantially modify plans of care, interpret evaluation results, or discharge children from occupational therapy services.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Successful completion of required fieldwork.
• Current certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), if required for the position.
• Current, unrestricted Occupational Therapy Assistant license or authorization in the state of employment.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain them.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, fingerprinting, health screenings, and child-abuse clearances.
• Knowledge of child development and pediatric occupational therapy interventions.
• Strong communication, documentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow established treatment plans and seek guidance when a child’s needs or condition changes.
• Ability to work collaboratively with an Occupational Therapist and multidisciplinary team.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and appropriate automobile insurance when travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children in schools, preschools, early-intervention programs, or daycare settings.
• Familiarity with IEPs, IFSPs, Section 504 plans, and special education procedures.
• Experience supporting fine-motor development, visual-motor integration, handwriting, sensory regulation, feeding, play, and self-care skills.
• Experience working with children with developmental delays, autism, physical disabilities, or other special needs.

Physical Requirements

The Occupational Therapy Assistant must be able to:

• Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and work at floor level.
• Move between classrooms and facilities throughout the workday.
• Lift, carry, or assist with children, equipment, and materials within employer-established safety limits.
• Demonstrate therapeutic activities and safely position children as directed.
• Use hands and arms for treatment activities, documentation, and equipment operation.
• Respond appropriately to children’s behavioral, sensory, mobility, and safety needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Work Environment

Services are provided in active school and daycare environments. The OTA may work in classrooms, therapy rooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, and other educational spaces.

Pay: Up to $45.00 per hour

Work Location: In person