Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Summary: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) to provide occupational therapy services to students in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The COTA assists in carrying out interventions, documenting progress, and supporting student participation in educational activities, while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (fundamental job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, not a task list. 5–8 for non-manager roles and 8-12 for supervisor positions)
• Deliver occupational therapy services as directed by the supervising OT and outlined in student IEPs.
• Implement treatment activities designed to improve students’ fine motor, sensory, self-care, and school participation skills.
• Collect data and document student progress toward IEP goals.
• Provide feedback to the supervising OT on student performance, needs, and response to interventions.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining instructional materials, adaptive equipment, and therapy spaces.
• Collaborate with teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service staff to support student access to curriculum and daily school routines.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development as required.
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards as set forth by the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
• Must exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality with regard to all company information
• Completion of all required trainings as designated by the company and accreditation/licensing entities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None

Required Qualifications
Education, Licensure, & Experience
• Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from an accredited program.
• Current certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Active Pennsylvania license as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• One year of experience working in pediatrics, schools, or a related setting preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lift, move, or position students and equipment as required
• Ability to work within classrooms, therapy rooms, and other school environments
• Ability to work in an environment where students may become loud or disruptive, and should be able to maintain calm, supportive responses in such situations.
• May require travel between multiple school buildings
• Sound clinical judgment and excellent clinical skills
• Ability to problem solve by gathering and analyzing information
• Ability to handle a crisis and or potential risk situation and react appropriately
• A working knowledge of federal and state standards as well as regulating body and compliance standards.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, stoop, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs, twist, kneel, or crouch. Occasional keyboarding and other skills will utilize hand, wrist, and fine motor coordination. The employee must occasionally lift and/ or move up to 30 pounds. The employee mus