Cota

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) – Pediatrics

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) plays a vital role in supporting occupational therapists to help pediatric patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living, learning, and play. This position involves working directly with infants, children, and adolescents under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist to implement treatment plans tailored to individual needs. The COTA assists in evaluating patient progress and modifying therapeutic activities to maximize functional outcomes.

By fostering a supportive and motivating environment, the COTA helps pediatric patients achieve developmental milestones, gain independence, and improve their quality of life. This role requires compassionate interaction, attention to detail, and a commitment to promoting patient-centered care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) from an accredited program.
• Current and valid state licensure or certification to practice as a COTA in the State of Oklahoma.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Strong understanding of occupational therapy principles and pediatric patient care standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with pediatric populations, including infants, children, and adolescents.
• Experience with pediatric developmental disorders, sensory integration techniques, early intervention, or school-based therapy.
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems for documentation and reporting.
• Prior experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting.
• Ability to engage children and families using age-appropriate therapeutic activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist occupational therapists in delivering therapeutic interventions and activities designed to improve patients' physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental abilities.
• Implement treatment plans by guiding patients through exercises and activities that enhance fine and gross motor skills, coordination, sensory processing, and daily living tasks.
• Provide skilled therapeutic interventions to infants, children, and adolescents under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
• Implement individualized treatment plans to support developmental milestones, self-care, play, learning, and functional independence.
• Monitor and document patient progress, reporting observations, and any changes in condition to the supervising occupational therapist.
• Prepare and maintain therapy equipment and treatment areas to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic environment.
• Educate patients and their families on therapeutic techniques and strategies to support continued progress outside of therapy sessions.
• Build positive relationships with children and their families while utilizing age-appropriate therapeutic techniques in a compassionate and patient-centered environment.

Skills

The required skills enable the COTA to effectively implement therapeutic activities and communicate clearly with patients, families, and the healthcare team, ensuring treatment plans are followed accurately. Strong observational skills are essential for monitoring patient progress and identifying changes that may require adjustments to therapy. Preferred skills, such as proficiency with electronic health records, streamline documentation, and enhance coordination of care.

The ability to engage pediatric patients and their families using age-appropriate therapeutic techniques supports positive outcomes and promotes a patient-centered environment.