The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works with residential adolescent clients receiving occupational therapy services to maximize their functional independence in activities of daily living by providing therapeutic treatment. Treatment goals are provided through an OTR/L. It is the responsibility of the COTA/L to plan 1:1 session for clients weekly to work on specific goals of independent living skills, coping skills, and fine/gross motor skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide and adapt one’s therapeutic use of self and presence as needed per client presentation (i.e. challenger, creator, coach) to facilitate engagement in therapy routines and activities.
• Report and demonstrate intentional engagement in balanced healthy lifestyle to support personal emotional regulation during work with clients.
• Collaborate with clinicians and direct care staff to identify client’s potential needs for
• occupational therapy services and direct a referral to COTA Coordinator to begin the process.
• Communicate with OT team to discuss assessment and evaluation findings and therapeutic goals.
• Continue communication with afore mentioned parties to review client’s progress and/or identify further needs.
• Plan therapeutic activities that are aimed toward meeting each client’s individual therapeutic goals, using the OTR’s evaluation report as a guide. Grading, planning, and implementing activities appropriate for the client at any given time based on demographics, behaviors, and other existing circumstances.
• Provide appropriate sensory tools, visual aids, and any other necessary resources to assist the client in achieving maximal functional independence.
• Provide and monitor an at home/unit-based therapeutic program with suitable resources and visual/written aids when appropriate.
• Use opportunities to include the client’s direct care staff, clinicians, and/or family in the
• therapeutic activities and/or Unit-based/home programs.
• Provide discharge recommendations, resources, and referrals as deemed necessary/appropriate upon client’s discharge from Wedgwood Christian Services or from occupational therapy services.
• Responsible for timely Quality Assurance compliance as related to employee’s roles and functions.
• Build rapport with clients through therapeutic use of self.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree from accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of working experience in Occupational Therapy. Clinical experience working with adolescents and/or families preferred.
• Professional license from the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) required.
• Prior experience working with an interdisciplinary team in a residential treatment setting preferred.
• Subscription of the Statement of Faith of Wedgwood Christian Services and agreement with the goals, purposes, and objectives of the agency.

BENEFITS:

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Low cost medical plans with great coverage options
• Holistic dental and vision plans
• Pet insurance
• Legal insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• A Locally Partnered Employee Assistance Program
• Competitive time off
• Direct deposit
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness
• Paid Holidays
• We also offer a variety of employer paid benefits for full time staff
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Life insurance up to 2x your annual salary
• Wedgwood is proud to offer a full gymnasium with an attached 24hr wellness center that houses a wide variety of workout equipment. Wedgwood is happy to provide this space to our staff at no cost.
• Walking trail that leads around the beautiful campus.

Wedgwood Christian Services

Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to aggressively taking on the toughest problems facing children and families through residential care, counseling services, and community programs. Our goal is to support and help restore the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well-being of children, adults, and families in our community.

Wedgwood is a local West Michigan agency, with offices bordering the coast of the beautiful Lake Michigan. Our main office is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, ranked in the top tier of the Best Places to Live in America according to Business Insider.

Mission: Wedgwood Christian Services extends God's love to youth, adults, and families through professional counseling and educational services.

Core Values: Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Diversity