Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

About The Specialists

The Specialists is a women-owned, therapist-owned pediatric speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and families throughout Wayne, Dearborn, and surrounding communities. We are growing and seeking an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about providing high-quality, person-centered care to children with a variety of needs.

This position offers the opportunity to work with a collaborative team, build meaningful relationships with families, and work in a practice led by clinicians who understand the realities of providing excellent therapy as well as an excellent place to work.

Position Overview

The Specialists is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our growing team as a W-2 employee. Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), the COTA will provide direct occupational therapy services and implement individualized treatment plans across our Wayne clinic and contracted ABA partner sites.

This position is ideal for a pediatric COTA who enjoys working collaboratively, values mentorship and professional growth, and is passionate about supporting children with developmental differences and disabilities.

Work Locations

• The Specialists Clinic – Wayne, MI
• Contracted ABA Centers – Dearborn, MI and surrounding communities
• Schedule determined collaboratively based on clinic and client needs

Key Responsibilities

Treatment Implementation

• Implement OT treatment plans developed and supervised by the assigned OTR/L
• Provide direct occupational therapy services to pediatric clients in individual and small-group formats
• Facilitate activities targeting sensory processing, fine motor skills, self-care, feeding, emotional regulation, and social participation
• Modify activities as appropriate to support client engagement and success

Sensory Integration

• Implement sensory-based interventions and activities as directed by the supervising OT
• Support individualized sensory regulation programs across clinic and ABA settings
• Monitor and communicate client responses to interventions
• Educate caregivers and team members on carryover strategies under OT supervision

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Support children with ASD in developing functional independence and participation across environments
• Collaborate with BCBAs, behavior technicians, speech-language pathologists, and other team members
• Utilize evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming practices
• Foster positive therapeutic relationships and consistent routines

Reflex Integration

• Implement movement-based and reflex integration activities as outlined in treatment plans
• Monitor progress and communicate observations to supervising OT
• Assist caregivers with home program carryover strategies

Feeding Therapy

• Assist with implementation of feeding therapy plans under OT supervision
• Support food exploration, oral motor development, and positive mealtime experiences
• Document client responses and progress
• Assist with caregiver education and home recommendations

Documentation & Collaboration

• Complete timely and accurate documentation, daily treatment notes, progress reports, and required clinic paperwork
• Maintain communication with supervising OT regarding client progress and treatment recommendations
• Participate in staff meetings, team collaboration, trainings, and family consultations
• Adhere to clinic policies, ethical standards, payer requirements, and state regulations

Qualifications Required

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Current NBCOT certification in good standing
• Active Michigan Occupational Therapy Assistant license
• Experience working with pediatric populations
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Reliable transportation for travel between clinic and partner sites as needed

Preferred

• Experience with pediatric sensory integration interventions
• Experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Familiarity with reflex integration approaches (MNRI, RMTi, or similar)
• Experience assisting with feeding therapy services
• Prior experience in ABA centers, multidisciplinary clinics, or schools
• Bilingual skills preferred

Supervision Structure

All services will be provided under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist in accordance with Michigan Occupational Therapy Practice Act requirements. Supervision will be provided regularly and documented according to state, payer, and professional standards.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation based on experience and qualifications
• W-2 employee status
• Paid training and onboarding
• Opportunities for continuing education and professional development
• Flexible scheduling options - you have a say in your schedule
• Supportive supervision and mentorship
• Collaborative team environment
• License reimbursement
• Mileage reimbursement

Additional benefits may be available based on position status and hours worked.

Why Join The Specialists?

At The Specialists, you're more than just a productivity number or a name on a schedule. We are a small, clinician-owned pediatric therapy practice founded by therapists who are actively involved in patient care and genuinely invested in the success of our team.

Because we're small, your voice matters. You'll have direct access to leadership, opportunities to help shape programs and services, and the flexibility to provide truly individualized care without layers of corporate bureaucracy. We believe the best therapy happens when clinicians feel supported, valued, and trusted to use their professional judgment.

We are proud to have earned a strong reputation within our community for providing high-quality, compassionate care and building meaningful relationships with the families we serve. Our growth has been driven primarily through word-of-mouth referrals from families, physicians, schools, and community partners who trust the care we provide.

Whether you're looking for mentorship, greater autonomy, a collaborative team environment, or simply a workplace where people genuinely care about one another, we strive to create a culture where clinicians can thrive both professionally and personally.

What Makes The Specialists Different?

• Clinician-owned and operated
• Highly rated by families and community partners
• Small, supportive team where every voice matters
• Direct access to leadership and mentorship
• Flexible scheduling options and work-life balance
• Opportunities to help shape a growing practice
• Collaborative environment with OT, SLP, ABA, and families working together
• Emphasis on quality care over productivity quotas
• Meaningful relationships with clients and families
• Professional growth opportunities in specialty pediatric areas
• Positive, mission-driven workplace culture
• The ability to make a real impact in the local community

If you're looking for a place where you can build lasting connections, provide exceptional care, and grow alongside a team that values collaboration and compassion, we'd love to meet you.

How to Apply

Please send your resume to:

info@getthespecialists.com

The Specialists is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Pay: From $50.00 per hour

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Michigan COTA licensure (Preferred)
• NBCOT COTA certification in good standing (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50