Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Description
The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) position at the Minnesota Autism Center (MAC) involves working under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist to provide therapeutic services to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Responsibilities include implementing treatment plans, conducting therapy sessions, and documenting patient progress. The role requires collaboration with other healthcare professionals to support the development of motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living activities for children.
Candidates for the COTA position should have a valid Minnesota occupational therapy assistant license or be eligible for licensure, have NBCOT certification, and experience working with children with autism. The job also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment for both clients and their families.
Required qualifications:
• Associate’s degree or higher for occupational therapy assistant from an accredited university
• Minnesota occupational therapy assistant license (or eligibility)
• NBCOT certification
• Successfully completing a background check
• Adherence to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements (state, federal, payers, NBCOT ethics, AOTA ethics)
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including email, meetings, care conferences, documentation
• Ability to complete documentation electronically according to facility and payer standards
• Physical requirements:
• Frequent kneeling along with bending and stooping (when toileting)
• Ability to respond quickly-get up from floor/run/walk fast (for elopements)
• Physically engaged for 7+ hours (fast paced/on the go)
• Strength required to implement physical holds when safety of the client or staff is at risk
• Shuffling your feet (related to safety care)
• Standing/be on your feet for several consecutive hours many days
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
Preferred qualifications:
• One or more year(s) Occupational Therapy experience
• Prior experience working with clients with ASD
• Prior experience collaborating with Speech Pathologists and / or ABA Therapists
Essential responsibilities:
• Responsible for completing evaluation procedures, implementing interventions, reviewing interventions, and monitoring outcomes under the supervision of the occupational therapist according to service competency.
• Assists in integrating occupational therapy targets or activities into behavior therapy setting in consultation with clinical team. This includes clients on direct caseload as well as indirect clients as needed.
• Conducts 30-day and 90-day reviews for all clients under the supervision of occupational therapist. The 90-day review must include an updated Plan of Care which is updated with occupational therapist.
• Completes and submits required documentation within established guidelines.
• Establishment and maintenance of current and accurate clinical records.
• Participates in ITP planning as applicable.
• Provides leadership supervision and/or executes all skilled treatment programs (e.g., sensory diet) as prescribed by the Plan of Care.
• Schedules clients in coordination with clinical team.
• Provides client/family education related to support services as appropriate.
• Meets with the clinical team as needed to discuss each client’s progress on motor, self-care, and sensory programming.
• Adheres to NBCOT Code of Ethics.
• Maintains Minnesota Department of Health Licensure and certification through NBCOT.
• Completes necessary continuing education.
• Attend all necessary trainings and/or meetings at central office site.
• Consider ethical and cultural issues and maintain appropriate boundaries when interacting with clients, client caregivers, colleagues, and student interns.
• Restrict work to personal domain of expertise and service competency as observed by occupational therapist and use most updated methods as recognized by the profession.
• Adhere to supervision requirements by Minnesota
Other responsibilities:
• Provides leadership and training on therapy strategies to Behavior Therapists, Lead Therapists, Clinical Supervisor, and Program Manager and trains as needed, in conjunction with occupational therapist.
• Responds to referrals for service in a timely manner.
• Responds to emails and phone calls within 24 hours.
• Appropriately utilize the time-reporting system for reimbursement.
• Other duties as assigned by Management.
MAC offers a range of benefits for full-time employees, including paid time off, health insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer match, tuition reimbursement, and an annual stipend for continuing education units (CEUs)
ABOUT OUR COMPANY:
Founded in 1996 by parents who sought the very best treatment available to deliver opportunities to children and adolescents living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Minnesota Autism Center (MAC) provides therapeutic services for children ages 18 months to 21 years who have ASD.
MAC's services are center-based and in-home, and include speech and occupational therapy, assessment and diagnosis services, and individual and family therapy. At any given time, MAC serves approximately 370-400 clients throughout Minnesota at 22 centers located in Eagan, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Fridley, Vadnais Heights, Minnetonka, Woodbury, Duluth, Superior, Virginia, Mankato, Rochester, Red Wing, New Ulm, Medford, Hutchinson and Cambridge.
MAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in terms or conditions of employment on the basis of sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), race, traits associated with race (including hair texture and style), color, national origin, religion, creed, age once having reached the age of majority, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, veteran status, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, status with respect to public assistance, or any other characteristics that are protected by federal, state or local laws.
Health and Human Services
Health Care Provider
Full-time