Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

The Opportunity Tree; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) plan

11 paid holidays

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Referral Bonus

$1,000 hiring bonus

Job summary

The Opportunity Tree is seeking a full-time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for their Day Program in Phoenix, Arizona. This role involves providing OT services under supervision and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.

Ideal candidates will have an Associate degree in Occupational Therapy, a valid Arizona COTA license, and a passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Benefits include health insurance, paid holidays, and a hiring bonus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Current driver license with non-restricted motor vehicle record.
• Experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide OT services under Occupational Therapist supervision.
• Deliver individual and small-group therapy using aligned models.
• Train program staff to implement therapeutic activities.
• Collaborate on intervention planning and participant support.
• Contribute to program evaluation and quality improvement.

Skills

Strong communication skills in written and spoken English

Teamwork skills

Personal enthusiasm for working in a nonprofit

Education

Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program

Current Arizona Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant license

Job description

Position Overview

The Opportunity Tree is hiring a full‑time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for our Day Program. The role reports to the on‑site Occupational Therapist and requires up to 25% travel within Maricopa and Pinal Counties.

In a dynamic, community‑based day program, the COTA works alongside an Occupational Therapist and interdisciplinary team to provide direct services, facilitate therapeutic and community‑based activities, support staff training, and promote meaningful participation, independence, and quality of life for adults and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This position is ideal for a creative, collaborative clinician who enjoys applying occupational therapy principles in non‑traditional, program‑based settings.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide OT services under Occupational Therapist supervision, including screenings, assessments, interventions, data collection, documentation, and outcome tracking consistent with member goals and regulations.
• Deliver individual and small‑group therapy using pull‑out and integrated models aligned with member goals.
• Train program staff to implement therapeutic activities and adapt them to meet members’ physical, sensory, cognitive, and environmental needs.
• Collaborate with therapists, leadership, and program staff on intervention planning, program development, and participant support.
• Contribute to program evaluation, quality improvement initiatives, and outcome measurement.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment that supports dignity, choice, and self‑determination for individuals with IDD.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Current driver license with non‑restricted motor vehicle record.
• Strong communication skills in written and spoken English.
• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current Arizona Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant license in good standing.
• Experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, dementia, neurological conditions, physical disabilities, or behavioral health needs preferred.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel for the Opportunity Tree business.
• Ability to lift, carry, and transfer up to 40 pounds and perform other physical tasks described in the job environment.
• Successful completion and maintenance of required training, including CPR, First Aid, Prevention and Support, and the AZ‑DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Knowledge & Skills

• Personal enthusiasm for working in a nonprofit serving individuals with IDD.
• Positive attitude and professional representation of The Opportunity Tree in the community.
• Strong teamwork skills with clients, staff, families, funders, and stakeholders.

Job Environment

• Work with members on‑site and in the community.
• Physical demands include lifting, carrying, transferring up to 40 pounds, bending, kneeling, stooping, pushing or pulling wheelchairs, reaching overhead, and extended standing or walking.
• Position considered a safety‑sensitive role.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) plan
• 11 paid holidays (full‑time and part‑time; available immediately)
• Paid time off (annual and sick leave; full‑time employees after 90 days; accrued bi‑weekly)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
• Employee Referral Bonus (refer a full‑time or part‑time employee to earn a bonus after about three months)
• $1,000 hiring bonus for a full‑time new employee, paid after 12 full pay periods (approximately six months)