Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Adelbrook•Manchester, CT

17d

About The Position

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The role provides high-quality, trauma-informed care in a therapeutic, supportive, and person-centered environment. Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the COTA helps implement treatment plans, promote functional independence, and increase participation in daily living, educational, recreational, and vocational activities across residential, educational, and community settings. The position involves collaboration with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary and educational teams; accurate clinical documentation; and maintaining appropriate equipment, records, certifications, and safety practices. Work takes place in residential, clinical, or community-based settings and may involve crisis response and physical intervention in accordance with required training. Adelbrook operates 24/7. Schedules are flexible and may include early mornings, evenings, overnights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, mandated overtime, mandated holds, and on-call responsibilities.

Requirements

State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Occupational Therapist Assistant credential.
Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Valid state licensure or eligibility for licensure as required.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Ability to complete and maintain relevant certifications, such as First Aid/CPR and crisis intervention.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, families, and individuals served.
Effective time management, organization, and workload prioritization.
Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and solution-focused in a dynamic, trauma-informed environment.
Skill in data collection, clinical documentation, and implementation of therapeutic strategies.
Competence in using adaptive equipment and technology to support therapeutic interventions.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Understanding of occupational therapy principles and practices in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Familiarity with physical, emotional, and cognitive developmental stages from childhood to young adulthood.
Knowledge of ASD and IDD and associated behavioral, sensory, and functional challenges.
Understanding of trauma-informed care, person-centered planning, and positive behavior supports.
Awareness of documentation standards and clinical goal-tracking methodologies.
Knowledge of safety and infection-control protocols relevant to therapeutic settings.
Ability to implement occupational therapy plans under the direction of an Occupational Therapist; adapt treatment activities; observe, assess, and report progress; physically assist with transfers, mobility, and therapeutic exercises; model appropriate behavior, communication, and problem-solving; and work independently and collaboratively across varied settings.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, assist individuals with daily living activities, remain on one’s feet for extended periods, participate in recreational or community-based activities, and perform all requirements of physical management techniques (PMT).

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with ASD and/or IDD.

Responsibilities

Carry out prescribed treatment interventions designed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Assist individuals in developing self-care, motor coordination, sensory integration, and daily living skills.
Document services provided and progress toward treatment goals accurately and promptly.
Submit recommendations for occupational therapy equipment needs to supervisors or the person responsible for approving purchases; submit purchase orders for approved equipment according to site procedures and maintain equipment as needed.
Collaborate with staff and families to integrate occupational therapy strategies into home, school, and residential environments.
Complete required documentation, including PPT summaries, IEP scoring, and screening reports, in a timely and effective manner.
Maintain Connecticut licensure, NBCOT certification, and personal malpractice insurance; complete required agency training and meet health requirements initially and annually.
Consult with students’ teams and recommend treatment, adaptations, modifications, and other supports for educational programs based on clinical judgment and best-practice guidelines.
Collaborate with educational teams to support consistent and effective interventions toward therapeutic and academic goals.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and clinical reviews.
Maintain accurate records in compliance with licensing and agency standards.
Monitor equipment and materials for safety and cleanliness.
Promote a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for individuals served.
Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT); apply de-escalation and physical intervention techniques appropriately and follow agency protocols.
Complete other duties as assigned.