Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the
United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The
University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary 
The certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) provides pediatric services to students enrolled at The Children’s Center across classroom, home, and community settings under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. This position implements therapeutic interventions designed to support students’ functional mobility and participation in educational activities. The COTA provides parent and caregiver training and education to promote carryover of therapy goals across environments. This position collaborates with and provides consultation support to the transdisciplinary team to ensure coordinated and comprehensive service delivery.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Implements and executes an established treatment plan for children enrolled at The Children’s Center under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, ensuring interventions align with individualized goals.
2. Communicates regularly and effectively with families, staff members, referring physicians, and other external providers regarding student progress, goals, and recommended strategies.
3. Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of services in accordance with The Children’s Center policies and Mississippi State Board of Occupational Therapy regulations.
4. Assists in the planning and preparation of classroom therapeutic activities and collaborates with the transdisciplinary team members to provide input on treatment strategies and student support plans.
5. Provides outreach training and technical assistance to childcare providers, school district personnel, rehabilitation service providers, and members of the medical community as needed.
6. Performs duties requiring standing, walking, bending, crouching, reaching, grasping, and repetitive motions, with frequent lifting up to twenty (20) pounds and occasional lifting up to forty (40) pounds, along with the visual ability necessary to safely carry out essential job functions.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in an Occupational Therapy Assistant education program. Must have two (2) to three (3) years of pediatric experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate and share information with supervisors, staff members, caregivers, and the general public, and respond appropriately to questions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe PDF and other tools used for organization and program operations.
• Ability to use technology and organizational systems to support documentation, reporting, and general operational needs of the program. 

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern
Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing
students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students
in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the
Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We
are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of
the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in
polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing
language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national
leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,
nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter
fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such
as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of
business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by
producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of
excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation
accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our
student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and
persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.