Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

ShowMe Aquatics & Fitness; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Lifeguard certification

Professional development

Continuing education opportunities

Job summary

ShowMe Aquatics & Fitness seeks a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) to deliver adaptive aquatic therapy in a warm-water pool. The role combines clinical OT skills with aquatic care to help clients with developmental or mobility-related disabilities build strength and independence in a supportive setting.

The ideal candidate holds a Missouri COTA/L license and NBCOT certification, with 3–5 years of relevant experience, and is comfortable in aquatic environments.

Qualifications

• Active Missouri COTA/L license and NBCOT certification, with 3–5 years of professional experience as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• At least 3 years working directly with individuals with developmental and/or acquired disabilities, particularly those with mobility or adaptive equipment needs.
• Comfort in aquatic settings and eagerness to learn in a pool-based environment.
• Ability to design and implement movement, participation and engagement in water-based therapy.

Responsibilities

• Deliver aquatic based occupational therapy sessions in a warm water pool.
• Support clients who use wheelchairs, lifts, and adaptive equipment.
• Encourage participation and progress in a safe and positive environment.
• Collaborate with OTs, other COTAs, and caregivers to maintain person-centered care.
• Participate in lifeguard duties once certified, ensuring safety in and around the pool area.

Skills

Missouri COTA/L license

NBCOT certification

3–5 years experience as COTA

Water-based therapy

Job description

Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) – Adaptive Aquatic Therapy

Salary Range: $25 - $30 hourly (commensurate with experience and credentials). Additional compensation possible for candidates with advanced aquatic or adaptive certifications.

Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; paid lifeguard certification; professional development and continuing education opportunities.

Do you love the water and love helping people? At ShowMe Aquatics & Fitness, we combine the science of occupational therapy with the healing power of water to help individuals with developmental and acquired disabilities move, play, and thrive. Our goal is to make the healing power of water accessible to everyone, especially those with mobility limitations who rely on adaptive equipment.

We’re looking for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) who’s as comfortable in the pool as they are in a clinic. You’ll use your therapy skills, and your passion for aquatics, to help clients build strength, confidence, and independence in a fun, adaptive, and inclusive environment.

What You’ll Do:

• Deliver aquatic based occupational therapy sessions in a warm water pool.
• Support clients who use wheelchairs, lifts, and adaptive equipment.
• Encourage participation and progress in a safe and positive environment.
• Collaborate with OTs, other COTA’s, and caregivers to maintain consistent, person-centered care
• Participate in lifeguard duties once certified, ensuring safety in and around the pool area.

What You Bring:

• Active Missouri COTA/L license and NBCOT certification, with 3–5 years of professional experience as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• At least 3 years working directly with individuals with developmental and/or acquired disabilities, particularly those with mobility or adaptive equipment needs.
• Comfort and confidence in aquatic settings. You don’t need to be an aquatic therapist yet, but you should enjoy being in the water and eager to learn.
• A creative, problem-solving mindset and understanding of how movement, participation, and engagement can be supported and enhanced in water-based environments.
• Competence in safe mobility transfers and use of adaptive lift systems (chair, overhead, or Hoyer).
• Willingness to complete lifeguard certification (including CPR/First Aid) within 3 months of hire — we’ll cover the training.
• A team-first, kind-but-direct attitude that aligns with our values-based, client-centered culture.