Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Theopportunitytree; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Job summary

The Opportunity Tree in Phoenix, Arizona, is looking for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who will provide essential OT services in a community-based day program. This role involves collaborating with a team to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, delivering direct interventions, and assisting with program development.

The ideal candidate will hold an Associate degree in Occupational Therapy, have a current Arizona license, and possess a commitment to serving this population. Full-time employees benefit from a hiring bonus and comprehensive health plans.

Qualifications

• Experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Current Arizona Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant license in good standing.
• Reliable transportation for work-related travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide OT services under OTR supervision.
• Deliver individual and group therapy.
• Train staff in therapeutic activities.

Skills

Experience with adults with IDD

Excellent verbal and written skills

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Associate degree from accredited OTA program

Current Arizona COTA license

Job description

The Opportunity Tree Mission and Vision

To provide quality individualized services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in dynamic and innovative environments. The Opportunity Tree is committed to promoting the development of a society that fully embraces individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through inclusion, advocacy, and opportunities.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• 11 Paid Holidays (full and part time; available immediately)
• Paid Time Off (annual and sick leave; full and part employees; after 90 day; accrued bi-weekly)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (all employees)
• Employee Referral Bonus (refer a full or part time employee to earn bonus after about three months)

$1,000 hiring bonus for full time new employee, paid after 12 full pay periods worked (approximately six months).

Position Summary

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) – Day Program! This position will report to the on‑site Occupational Therapist and be required to travel within Maricopa and Pinal Counties up to 25% of the time. Join a dynamic, community‐based day program where occupational therapy is integrated into innovative, person-centered programming for adults and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (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. This role is ideal for a creative, collaborative clinician who enjoys applying occupational therapy principles in non-traditional, program-based settings.

Success Candidate Qualifications

• 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.
• Knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the job duties and responsibilities listed below in the Job Requirements.

Job Summary

The COTA provides occupational therapy services and supports implementation of therapeutic programming for adults and youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in a day program setting under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. The role includes delivering individual, small-group, and program-based interventions; contributing to assessments, documentation, and intervention planning; and supporting staff in carrying out therapeutic strategies. The COTA applies occupational therapy principles to promote functional participation, independence, and engagement across daily activities and programming.

Essential Job Functions

1. Provide OT services under OTR supervision, including screenings, assessments, interventions, data collection, documentation, and outcome tracking consistent with established member goals and in accordance with regulations and agency policies.
2. Deliver individual and small group therapy using both the pull out and integrated models using all the principles of occupational therapy and consistent with member goals.
3. Train program staff to implement activities therapeutically, including when and how to adapt activities to meet members physical, sensory, cognitive and environmental needs.
4. Collaborate with therapists, leadership, and program staff on intervention planning, program development, and participant support.
5. Contribute to program evaluation, quality improvement initiatives, and outcome measurement.
6. Promote a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment that supports dignity, choice, and self-determination for individuals with IDD.

Job Skills & Qualifications

1. Minimum of 18 years of age.
2. Current driver license with Non-Restricted Motor Vehicle Record.
3. Communicate in English; speech, write, and read.
4. Excellent verbal and written skills.
5. Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
6. Current Arizona Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant license in good standing.
7. Experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, dementia, neurological conditions, physical disabilities, or behavioral health needs preferred.
8. Reliable transportation and travel for The Opportunity Tree business.

Knowlege of best practice models and community integration

1. Personal enthusiasm for participation in a non-profit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2. Positive attitude and represent The Opportunity Tree in a positive manner to the community.
3. Ability to work collaboratively as a team member with clients, staff, families, funders and stakeholders.
4. Successful completion and maintain all required training which may include CPR, First Aid, and Prevention and Support.
5. Successfully meet AZ-DPS requirements for Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Job Environment

1. Work with Members on-site and in the community.
2. Lift, carry, transfer minimum of 40 pounds.
3. Bend, kneel, and stoop.
4. Push or pull wheelchairs.
5. Reach or reach overhead.
6. Sit, stand, walk for extended periods.
7. Finger, hand and/or wrist dexterity to eye.
8. This position is considered a “safety sensitive” position.