Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Job Title: Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
Reports To: Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) / Rehabilitation Manager / Director of Special Education
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt or Exempt (depending on setting)

Position Summary:
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide therapy services that help individuals develop, improve, and maintain skills for daily living, learning, and working. The OTA assists in carrying out treatment plans, monitoring progress, and collaborating with families, educators, and healthcare professionals to promote independence and participation.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement occupational therapy treatment plans as directed by the supervising OT.
• Provide direct therapy services to address fine motor skills, self-care, sensory processing, and functional activities.
• Adapt activities, tools, and environments to meet client/student needs.
• Collect accurate data and document client performance for OT review.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and observations to the supervising OT.
• Support carryover of therapy strategies into classroom, home, or daily routines.
• Maintain equipment, therapy materials, and workspace organization.
• Comply with all applicable state, federal, and facility regulations, as well as ethical standards.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• State licensure or eligibility for licensure as an OTA in Illinois (or applicable state).
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow treatment plans and adapt activities under OT direction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in school-based, pediatric, or rehabilitation settings.
• Knowledge of sensory integration and adaptive equipment.
• Familiarity with assistive technology and accessibility modifications.

Working Conditions

• School, clinic, hospital, or home-based settings depending on assignment.
• May require travel between locations.
• Position may involve lifting, positioning, or assisting clients with mobility needs.