Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant; COTA

Job Description

Lifelong Access’s mission is to connect families and people with developmental disabilities to their community through a lifetime of meaningful supports. Lifelong Access provides a continuum of services and supports for families, children and adults throughout their lifetime including residential, vocational development, employment, high school transition, mental health services and therapeutic supports. Lifelong Access envisions a community that encourages and accepts all people.

Lifelong Access is seeking Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). 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/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. Services will be provided in a variety of settings. We offer flexible scheduling options and a great opportunity for career development!

Pay: Hourly, based on experience
Job Type: Part‑Time (15‑29 hours per week) and Full‑Time (30+ hours per week)

• Implementing treatment plans via Occupational Therapist in order to effectively reach short- and long‑term goals.
• Develop strategies/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.
• Collaborating with a team of other Lifelong Access professionals, including Developmental Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social/Emotional therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Board Certified Behavioral Analysts.

• 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
• Has 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.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is 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; and converse with adults and children - some who might be difficult to understand. The employee is occasionally required to climb; taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Supportive, positive, and friendly teamwork environment.
• Professional development, training, and advancement opportunities.
• Opportunity to work with a trans‑disciplinary team of pediatric specialists including speech language therapists, physical therapists, development therapists and pediatric ABA professionals.
• Opportunities to provide services in Early Intervention or clinic, or both.
• Flexible schedule options.
• Comprehensive benefit plans.
• Generous paid time off including vacation, personal time, and holidays.

Lifelong Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer.