Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant COTA
Company : HealthPRO Heritage
Location : Tampa, FL, 33606
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Overview
HealthPro Pediatrics has an exciting opportunity available for a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant in South Tampa, FL!
- Full Time Monday to Friday schedule
- W2 opportunity (Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO , 401k)
- Pediatric Outpatient clinic
- Pay Range $24-28 an hour
Why Choose HealthPro Pediatrics?
- Meaningful Impact: Play a pivotal role in the lives of children and their families by helping them overcome challenges and achieve milestones in speech, physical, occupational, or ABA therapy.
- Growth Opportunities: Enjoy continuous learning and development opportunities tailored to support your professional growth.
- Collaborative Culture: Thrive in a supportive environment where teamwork, respect, and open communication are at the heart of everything we do.
- Commitment to Excellence: Join a team recognized for clinical expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality care and outcomes.
- Competitive Benefits Package: Enjoy competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package designed with YOU in mind!
Join Us in Making a Difference
At HealthPRO Pediatrics, A division of HealthPro Heritage, we are more than just a team—we are a family dedicated to empowering children, supporting families, and fostering growth. As a leader in pediatric therapy, we provide a purpose-driven environment where your skills and compassion truly make a difference.
Responsibilities
- Patient Care & Treatment Implementation: Assist in delivering individualized therapy based on treatment plans developed by the Occupational Therapist, including activities to improve daily living skills (e.g., dressing, eating, mobility).
- Progress Monitoring & Documentation: Track and document patient progress, maintaining accurate records in compliance with facility policies, and report changes or concerns to the Occupational Therapist.
- Collaboration & Patient Education: Work with interdisciplinary teams (e.g., PT, OT, nursing) to provide holistic care, and educate patients and families on therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment, and strategies for independence.
- Therapeutic Activities & Support: Lead or assist patients with exercises, activities of daily living, and other therapeutic tasks, while creating a positive and supportive environment to encourage patient engagement.
Qualifications
- Education: Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant program from an accredited school.
- Certification: Certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Licensure: Current state licensure (or eligibility) to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
- Experience: Previous experience in an occupational therapy setting (hospital, clinic, school, etc.) is preferred, but new graduates are also encouraged to apply.
HealthPRO Heritage and its subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HealthPRO Heritage and its subsidiaries comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches
Frequently asked questions
Tampa's growing pediatric healthcare sector has increased demand for Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, making opportunities more accessible than many smaller cities. This region values specialized skills in pediatric outpatient care, so job seekers often find more openings and competitive hiring compared to less populated areas.
Florida requires a state license to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, with some emphasis on pediatric care credentials. While national certification (NBCOT) is standard across states, Florida employers may prioritize candidates with experience in outpatient pediatric settings, reflecting local regulatory and healthcare trends.
Success involves mastering therapeutic techniques tailored to children's developmental needs, strong communication with families, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Skills in adaptive equipment education and documenting progress meticulously are crucial for delivering effective pediatric occupational therapy.
Advancement often comes from gaining specialized pediatric experience, pursuing additional certifications, or moving into supervisory roles within clinics like HealthPRO Heritage. Tampa's expanding healthcare facilities encourage continual education and skill diversification to climb the professional ladder.
Unlike aides, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants implement treatment plans directly under occupational therapists, engage in detailed progress tracking, and educate families on therapeutic strategies. Their role demands clinical certification and a deeper involvement in patient care beyond basic support tasks.
HealthPRO Heritage fosters a family-like environment emphasizing collaborative care and professional growth. Their pediatric outpatient focus offers hands-on opportunities to impact children's lives uniquely, supported by comprehensive benefits and a culture of clinical excellence.
At HealthPRO Heritage, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants are expected to work closely with interdisciplinary teams, actively participate in patient education, and create supportive environments that promote engagement. The role balances technical skill application with compassionate family-centered care.
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants in Tampa typically earn between $24 and $28 per hour, reflecting regional market standards and the specialized nature of pediatric outpatient therapy roles. Compensation often includes benefits like medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
New professionals may need to quickly adapt to pediatric therapy dynamics, maintain thorough documentation, and coordinate with diverse healthcare teams. Understanding Tampa's local healthcare regulations and family-centered care expectations also shapes early career experiences.
Tampa's expanding healthcare industry creates a moderately competitive market with steady openings for COTA roles. Compared to cities like Miami or Orlando, Tampa offers a balance of demand and accessibility, especially for candidates focused on pediatric outpatient therapies.