Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Position Summary

St. Mary’s Home and Albero House are seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and motivated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support children and adults with complex medical needs, developmental disabilities, and physical impairments in a residential ICF setting. Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the COTA provides skilled occupational therapy interventions that promote independence, participation, comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

The ideal candidate is creative, adaptable, person-centered, and passionate about helping residents engage meaningfully in daily activities through play, positioning, sensory experiences, adaptive equipment, and functional skill development.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Implement individualized occupational therapy treatment plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Provide direct therapeutic interventions focused on:
• Fine motor development
• Sensory processing and regulation
• Activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Positioning and mobility support
• Adaptive play and participation
• Visual-motor and coordination skills
• Assist with fabrication, application, and monitoring of splints, adaptive equipment, and seating systems.
• Assist with repair and cleaning of adaptive equipment, including but not limited to splints, wheelchairs, positioners, and adapted toys.
• Support safe handling, transfers, and positioning of medically complex individuals.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members including PTs, SLPs, rec therapists, nursing staff, dietary staff, respiratory therapists, doctors, and caregivers.
• Document treatment sessions accurately and in compliance with state, federal, and organizational standards.
• Participate in team meetings, care planning, and family/caregiver education.
• Educate staff on OT programming, safety, and usage of adaptive equipment.
• Maintain therapy equipment, treatment areas, and infection control standards.
• Encourage engagement, dignity, comfort, and developmental progress for all residents.

Qualifications

Required

• Graduate from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current Virginia licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• NBCOT certification.
• CPR certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

Preferred

• Experience in an ICF setting, pediatrics, school-based therapy, or with medically complex populations.
• Experience with:
• Wheelchairs and adaptive seating
• Splinting
• Sensory integration techniques
• Assistive technology
• Feeding or oral-motor support
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities and neurological conditions.

Conduct

• Demonstrate kindness, patience, and compassion when working with staff, residents, and visitors.
• Collaborate effectively with all team members, maintaining a positive, respectful attitude.
• Approach challenges with creativity and a commitment to fostering a fun, engaging environment.
• Consistently uphold the standards of the organization by following all policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for variable lengths of time.
• Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently and assist residents with varying mobility levels.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and floor play activities.
• Ability to safely use adaptive and mobility equipment.

Work Environment

St. Mary’s Home provides a collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities and medical complexities. Team members work closely together to create meaningful, engaging, and therapeutic experiences that promote each individual’s highest level of independence and participation.