(Pediatric | Flexible Schedule | Clinic-Based)
Pay: $35–$50 per hour (Hourly rate applies to both direct and indirect work)
Schedule: Per Diem (with opportunity to grow to full time if desired)
Location: Clinic-based and in-home | Pediatric focus
About SHINE Education & Therapy Center
SHINE Education & Therapy Center is a pediatric outpatient private practice providing thoughtful, evidence-based speech and language services rooted in both clinical excellence and public school experience.
We are known for our collaborative, family-centered model—partnering closely with caregivers, physicians, and school-based teams to ensure continuity of care, functional progress, and meaningful outcomes for every child we serve.
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our multidisciplinary team. In this role, you will provide individualized, evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. You will help children develop the functional skills needed for success in everyday activities, including fine motor development, sensory processing, self-care, visual-motor integration, emotional regulation, play, and participation at home, school, and in the community.
This position is ideal for a COTA seeking per diem work, supplemental income alongside a full-time role, or a flexible clinical opportunity. SHINE offers the autonomy to design your own work schedule, with the opportunity to grow from per diem to full-time as your availability and interests evolve.
COTAs who transition to 30+ hours per week are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package after 60 days of employment, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide engaging, individualized occupational therapy services to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT).
- Implement evidence-based treatment plans developed by the supervising OT, adapting therapeutic activities to support each child's strengths, interests, needs, and functional goals.
- Deliver play-based, child-centered interventions that promote independence in fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, emotional regulation, self-care, handwriting readiness, executive functioning, and participation in daily routines.
- Create engaging therapy sessions that build confidence, encourage independence, and celebrate each child's progress.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children and families while fostering a welcoming, supportive, and family-centered therapy environment.
- Collaborate closely with parents and caregivers by providing education, home activities, and practical strategies that promote carryover of skills into everyday routines.
- Collect, analyze, and document objective treatment data to monitor progress and communicate outcomes to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
- Collaborate with the supervising OT to adjust intervention activities and therapeutic strategies based on each child's response to treatment and progress toward established goals.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation, including daily treatment notes, attendance records, progress updates, and all required clinical documentation.
- Collaborate effectively with occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, educators, physicians, behavioral providers, and other professionals to promote coordinated, interdisciplinary care.
- Prepare therapy materials, organize treatment spaces, and ensure therapeutic equipment and resources are maintained for safe and effective service delivery.
- Assist the supervising Occupational Therapist with screenings, implementation of evaluation procedures as permitted by state regulations, and preparation of assessment materials.
- Adhere to all HIPAA requirements, professional ethics, agency policies, and California regulations governing Occupational Therapy Assistant practice.
- Participate in ongoing professional development, team meetings, case consultations, and continuing education to maintain clinical excellence and stay current with evidence-based practices.
- Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, initiative, and exceptional communication while contributing to a collaborative, solution-focused team culture.
- Represent SHINE Education & Therapy Center with warmth, compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to providing exceptional, family-centered care.
Qualifications
- An Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from an accredited ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
- Active California Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license in good standing.
Ideal Candidate
- Passionate about helping children develop the skills needed to thrive at home, school, and in their communities.
- Creative, energetic, and engaging, with a passion for play-based pediatric intervention.
- Demonstrates strong clinical reasoning and excellent observational skills.
- Communicates effectively with children, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Organized, dependable, and committed to maintaining accurate clinical documentation.
- Thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and values continuous learning.
- Embraces SHINE's whole-child, family-centered philosophy and is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care.
Why Join SHINE?
- Flexible scheduling with the ability to create a work schedule that fits your lifestyle.
- Opportunity to grow from per diem to a full-time position as the practice expands.
- Collaborative multidisciplinary team that values mentorship, innovation, and professional growth.
- Small caseloads that allow you to provide individualized, high-quality care.
- A supportive, mission-driven culture dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Pay: $35.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
