Anderson Center for Autism

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Poughkeepsie, NY - Full Time

Are you an occupational therapy professional who believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to develop greater independence, confidence, and quality of life?
Do you enjoy helping people build meaningful skills while collaborating with a team that is committed to person-centered care and evidence-based practices?

As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you will be an important member of our interdisciplinary team, helping adults with autism and other developmental disabilities develop the skills needed to achieve greater success in daily living, vocational activities, community participation, and personal growth. Through direct occupational therapy services, collaboration with treatment teams, and ongoing assessment of progress, you will help create meaningful opportunities for individuals to build skills, overcome barriers, and reach their fullest potential.

Working under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, you will provide both individual and group services while partnering with colleagues, families, and support teams to ensure that occupational therapy strategies are integrated into daily routines and support plans. Every interaction, recommendation, and intervention you provide will contribute to our mission of optimizing quality of life for the individuals we serve.

What You Will Do as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
  • You will provide individual and group occupational therapy services that help adults build independence, adaptive skills, vocational abilities, and overall quality of life.
  • You will assist in conducting assessments, documenting findings, and implementing individualized treatment plans that reflect each person's unique strengths, needs, and goals.
  • You will adjust therapeutic approaches as needed and utilize evidence-based practices to support meaningful progress and successful outcomes.
  • You will collect, monitor, and analyze treatment data to evaluate effectiveness and support data-driven decision making.
  • You will maintain accurate documentation in accordance with professional, agency, and regulatory requirements.
  • You will collaborate with Occupational Therapists and other members of the interdisciplinary team to coordinate services and support individual treatment goals.
  • You will provide guidance and training to team members and families regarding occupational therapy strategies, sensory supports, and functional skill development.
  • You will actively participate in treatment planning, team meetings, and collaborative problem-solving efforts on behalf of the individuals we serve.
  • You will communicate effectively and professionally with individuals served, families, colleagues, and members of the treatment team.
  • You will maintain treatment areas and equipment while promoting individual rights, dignity, choice, and self-advocacy in all aspects of service delivery.
  • You will pursue ongoing professional development opportunities and remain current with evidence-based occupational therapy practices.

What You Can Bring to the Team:
  • A genuine commitment to helping adults achieve greater independence, participation, and quality of life.
  • Compassion, integrity, patience, adaptability, and strong professional judgment.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
  • The ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team environment.
  • A commitment to evidence-based occupational therapy practices and continuous learning.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and recordkeeping.
  • Alignment with our mission and values.
  • A desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

In Addition, We Expect That You:
  • Hold an Associate's Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program recognized by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
  • Possess and maintain a valid New York State Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license.
  • Maintain qualifications in the agency's crisis intervention procedures.
  • Be capable of assisting individuals in the orderly evacuation of facilities during emergencies.
  • Complete agency-required orientation and training.
  • Fulfill all mandated reporting requirements, ensure compliance with agency policies, and adhere to organizational protocols.

A Benefits Package Designed to Optimize YOUR Quality of Life Too:
  • Over 6 weeks of paid time off (starting in your first year!)
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer match and annual contribution
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
  • Wellness program
  • Ongoing professional development
  • Discounted tuition at select colleges and universities
  • Scholarship program for those seeking educational experiences aligned with the role (*restrictions apply)
  • Invitations to staff appreciation events and experiences
  • And much more!
To get a better understanding of the benefits available to you, visit andersoncenterforautism.org/benefits.

Pay Range: $28.85 – $31.35 hourly / commensurate with experience.

Anderson’s QUALITY OF LIFE Expectation:
To actively support Anderson’s mission by promoting and enhancing the quality of life (QofL) of the individuals we serve through thoughtful, comprehensive, and person-centered practices.

Ready to Bring Your Purpose to Life?
A bright future for you begins here at Anderson Center for Autism.
Open the door to a rewarding career with advancement opportunities; expand possibilities for yourself AND for individuals with autism, their families, your colleagues, our cause, and society as a whole!

Apply today. You'll contribute to a meaningful mission, now and for years to come!

Life as Part of our Anderson Center for Autism Team
If you are looking to build a career that brings you a deep sense of purpose and a high quality of life, Anderson Center for Autism might be just the landing place you've envisioned.

Here you will enjoy a supportive, friendly work environment that values your ideas and insights, provides rewarding mentorship experiences, and opens doors to new professional opportunities that can transform your journey.

And by working at Anderson, you will be part of a movement so much bigger than all of us. Founded over 100 years ago (in 1924), our award-winning, evidence-based educational, vocational, residential, clinical, and consulting/training programs have successfully optimized the quality of life for individuals with autism for decades now. In addition, we work every day to cultivate a broader culture of acceptance in society, further adding to the legacy of compassion for which we have come to be known throughout the country and around the world.

In addition to a rewarding career experience, you'll enjoy competitive compensation, robust benefits, generous paid time off, retirement benefits, ongoing learning opportunities, wellness initiatives, staff appreciation events, and the opportunity to work alongside exceptional professionals in a positive environment.

Keywords: Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA, Occupational Therapy, Adult Services, Developmental Disabilities, Autism, Sensory Integration, Vocational Skills, Interdisciplinary Team, Rehabilitation Services.

 

This position description in no way states or implies that the responsibilities listed are the only duties to be performed by the person filling this position. The person in the position may be required to perform other duties as necessitated by the situation or requested by his/her supervisor.

Our organization is committed to providing a diverse workforce by ensuring that discrimination barriers to equal employment opportunity and upward mobility do not exist here. Equal opportunity means employment, development, and promotion of individuals without consideration of race, color, disability, religion, age, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, unless there is a bona fide occupational requirement which excludes a person in one of these protected groups. Our organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE

Apply: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
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