Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

About the role

You will assist the Occupational Therapist in delivering skilled occupational therapy services to children in a center-based environment focused on early intervention. You own the implementation of individualized treatment plans designed to help clients improve their ability to perform daily activities and regain independence. This role requires you to actively educate clients and their families on therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment, and compensatory strategies to support progress. You will monitor client progress meticulously, documenting subjective and objective findings while communicating any changes in status to the supervising Occupational Therapist. You are responsible for maintaining accurate, timely, and comprehensive client records including daily notes, progress reports, and discharge summaries as part of the clinical process. You will collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals such as Speech-Language Pathologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and Behavior Technicians to ensure comprehensive and coordinated client care. You will participate actively in team meetings, case reviews, and in-service training sessions to contribute to the interdisciplinary team's knowledge and effectiveness. You must adhere strictly to all ethical and professional standards established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and relevant state licensure boards in your practice.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Perform therapeutic interventions under direct supervision to address functional goals for young clients.
• Implement individualized treatment plans as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist with precision and care.
• Educate clients and their families on therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment, and compensatory strategies for home and community use.
• Monitor and document client progress, recording both subjective and objective findings in a timely manner.
• Report any changes in client status or progress to the supervising Occupational Therapist to adjust treatment approaches as needed.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely client records including daily notes, progress reports, and discharge summaries.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members such as Speech-Language Pathologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and Behavior Technicians.
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and in-service training sessions to enhance professional development and team cohesion.
• Adhere to all ethical and professional standards mandated by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and state licensure boards.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized working environment to ensure client safety and effective therapy delivery.
• Fill in for one-to-one ABA Therapy sessions as required to support the broader therapeutic needs of the program.
• Perform all clinical duties while physically working on the floor with children, including changing diapers and assisting with toileting as needed.
• Lift and handle equipment and clients safely, ensuring physical capability for required movements and tasks.
• Support the therapy department through necessary administrative tasks to ensure smooth operational flow.

Requirements

• Possess a Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program as the foundational educational requirement.
• Hold current and active Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) licensure in the state(s) of hire without interruption.
• Maintain current certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to validate professional competence.
• Hold current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to ensure readiness for emergency situations in the clinical setting.
• Demonstrate experience with early intervention practices and working with children with autism spectrum disorders.
• Show willingness to obtain a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification as part of professional development.
• Exhibit strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to adapt interventions to individual client needs.
• Meet physical requirements including the ability to sit on the floor, kneel, crawl, squat, run, or stand for extended periods.
• Possess the ability to reach and hold objects securely during therapy activities.
• Have the capability to lift up to 30 pounds safely as required by client care duties.

Practical notes

• The engagement is full-time, indicating a standard full-time schedule is expected.
• The position requires physical interaction with young children on the floor, necessitating the ability to change diapers and assist with toileting.
• Clinical staff are required to be physically present and active in floor-based therapy sessions.
• All hires must comply with center-based therapy environment standards and documentation protocols.
• Travel is not specified as a requirement, indicating the role is primarily location-based at the center in Beltsville, Maryland.
• No visa sponsorship information is provided in the source, and candidates must meet all eligibility requirements for employment in the United States.
• No specific deadline for applications is mentioned in the source, interested candidates should inquire through official channels.
• The role is focused exclusively on occupational therapy within an ABA therapy program for early learners aged 18 months to 6 years.
• The position involves direct client care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adherence to professional standards on an ongoing basis.
• Successful candidates will contribute to the mission of helping children communicate, improve social skills, and prepare for academic success within a supportive environment.