Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Academy for Autism – Orlando, FL

The Academy for Autism is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and qualified Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our team. This position provides occupational therapy services to students with autism and other developmental needs in a supportive, school-based environment.

The COTA will work on-site at the Academy for Autism and collaborate with our Occupational Therapist, teachers, administration, and other members of the student support team to help students develop functional skills that increase their independence and participation throughout the school day.

Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy interventions under the supervision and direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT).
• Implement individualized treatment plans and goals established by the supervising OT.
• Work directly with students on skills related to fine motor development, sensory processing and regulation, self-care, daily living skills, motor coordination, visual-motor skills, and functional independence.
• Provide individual and/or small-group occupational therapy services as appropriate.
• Accurately document therapy sessions, student progress, and services provided.
• Collect data and communicate student progress to the supervising OT.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, behavior professionals, and administration to support student success across school environments.
• Assist with strategies and recommendations that can be incorporated into classroom routines.
• Maintain student confidentiality and follow all applicable professional, ethical, school, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in meetings, consultations, and other student-related activities as needed.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) educational program.
• Current NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) certification.
• Current and active Florida Occupational Therapy Assistant license in good standing.
• Ability to meet all applicable background screening and fingerprinting requirements.
• Ability to provide documentation of required professional credentials prior to employment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children, adolescents, or young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Experience in a school, pediatric therapy, special education, or developmental-disabilities setting.
• Experience addressing sensory regulation, fine motor, self-care, and functional daily living skills.
• Comfortable working with students with a wide range of communication, behavioral, sensory, and support needs.
• Understanding of neurodiversity and commitment to individualized, student-centered care.

Background Screening Requirement

The Academy for Autism is a participating site that initiates required Level 2 background screenings through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.

As part of the hiring and onboarding process, the Academy for Autism will initiate the required background screening through the Clearinghouse. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the required screening and eligibility in accordance with applicable background screening requirements.

About the Academy for Autism

The Academy for Autism is a private nonprofit school serving students with autism and related developmental needs. Our students have diverse learning, communication, behavioral, sensory, and functional needs.

Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to provide individualized support designed to help each student develop meaningful skills, increase independence, and participate successfully in their school environment.

We are seeking a COTA who is patient, flexible, collaborative, dependable, and genuinely committed to helping students make meaningful progress.

Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Location: Academy for Autism – Orlando, Florida
Setting: School-Based / Pediatric / Autism & Developmental Disabilities

Qualified applicants should submit their resume and information regarding their COTA certification and active Florida Occupational Therapy Assistant license for consideration.

The Academy for Autism is an equal opportunity employer.