Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Our mission at Lifelong Access is to connect individuals with developmental disabilities to their community by helping them break down barriers through a lifetime of meaningful supports. From birth to end of life, Lifelong Access provides a continuum of services and supports for families, children, teens, and adults including residential housing, vocational development, supported employment, high school transition, behavioral health counseling and services, and a wide variety of pediatric therapy supports. Guided by our Core Values, our team members have a strong drive and big hearts for improving the lives of others; a place where we support each other and the individuals who put their trust in us.

About the role

In this position your time will be fully dedicated to the pediatric program with a caseload that may include children from birth to age 18, and the opportunity to work in Early Intervention, clinic, or both. You will have the opportunity to work as part of a trans-disciplinary team including speech therapists, physical therapists, and our pediatric ABA professionals. The COTA is responsible for implementing strategies, techniques, and treatment plans as well as providing individualized direct treatment for children with developmental disabilities. Services will be provided in a variety of settings. The COTA will work closely with an Occupational Therapist to implement treatment programs.

Responsibilities

• Implementing treatment plans via Occupational Therapist in order to effectively reach short- and long-term goals
• Develop strategies and techniques for home program, as well as provide individualized treatment directly to each child
• Apply interventions to maximize performance in all areas of need
• Maintain professional documentation including progress reports and session notes
• Complete notes and all paperwork in an appropriate timeframe
• Collaborate with a team of other Lifelong Access professionals, including Developmental Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social/Emotional therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, and Board Certified Behavioral Analysts

Requirements

• A minimum of an Associate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program
• Successful passage of the National Board of Certified Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) COTA examination
• Current OTA license (or is license-eligible) in Illinois
• Professional behavior, positive attitude, and a team player
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Preferred knowledge of autism spectrum disorder, Applied Behavior Analysis, sensory and behavioral strategies and principles
• Must possess valid driver’s license
• Current proof of automobile insurance
• Must be able to successfully pass criminal, DCFS, safe driving background check, TB test, and drug screen

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be reviewed to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to sit on chairs, stools, and floor; stand; walk; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Frequently required to manipulate fine motor toys with children
• Converse with adults and children, some who might be difficult to understand
• Occasionally required to climb; taste or smell
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Pay

Minimum Starting Wage: $27 per hour

Schedule

Part-Time (15 to 29 hours per week) and Full-Time (30+ hours per week)

Benefits

• Supportive, positive, and friendly team environment
• Professional development, training, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible schedule options
• Comprehensive benefit plans
• Generous paid time off including vacation, personal time, and holidays