Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, Child Development Services

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.

Program and Role Summary

As an Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, you will serve children from birth to three years old during their most formative years. You will support daily living skills, movement, sensory processing, play, and participation, not in a clinic, but in the places where life actually happens - the child’s homes. During the earliest, most critical years of development, we help children build foundational skills that shape a lifetime of learning and independence.

But this work isn’t just about milestones.

It’s about helping a parent feel confident for the first time.
It’s about celebrating a child’s first reach, first grasp, first independent step.
It’s about teaching families how to advocate fiercely and effectively for their child’s future.

Early intervention changes trajectories, not just for children, but for entire families.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide direct intervention in the child's natural environment-usually in the home. Coordinate scheduling to meet the needs of the family, ensuring weekly visits are met as authorized by the Regional Center. 
• Provide appropriate intervention to children birth through three years of age that exhibit severe motor delays with atypical or scattered skills or atypical tone, several global delays, moderate to severe feeding delays or disorders, feeding delays or disorders associated with secondary issue (reflux, sensory issues, etc., severe sensory challenges and/or vision loss.
• Provide comprehensive case management services to assist children with delays or disabilities and their families in gaining access to needed medical, social, educational, developmental, and other appropriate services at the frequency determined by program expectations.
• Participates in the development and implementation of each child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) in collaboration with the family and education team, providing progress reports as required by each Regional Center or Local Education Agency.
• Works with families to develop a curriculum appropriate for the unique learning needs of their child with vision impairment and/or multiple disabilities within natural daily routines. 
• Collaborate with other providers, such as speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, developmental specialists, and educators to ensure comprehensive care.
• Frequent driving is required throughout Los Angeles County.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) leading to an Occupational Therapy Assistant license.
• Current California Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) state licensure required and maintained in good standing.
• Minimum one year of experience as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant preferred; experience working with infants and children preferred.
• Familiarity with services and community resources available to infants, children, and their families preferred.
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of three (3) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Additional Benefits Offered for this role :

• Training and professional development

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.