Aja Black, CAE, COTA: OT in the Federal Government

In this episode, we will learn from Aja Black, CAE, COTA. Aja is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with four years of experience and a Certified Associate Ergonomist (CAE). Originally from South Carolina and now based in Maryland, Aja has been studying and implementing ergonomics for nearly two years, combining her clinical background with a deep interest in creating healthier, more supportive work environments. She conducts both in-person and virtual ergonomic evaluations, identifies risk factors, and provides tailored recommendations to improve comfort and productivity. Aja is also passionate about education and outreach. She delivers trainings and webinars that empower professionals across the United States to apply ergonomic principles in their daily work.

Q & A with Aja:

Please tell us a little about yourself and a few of your favorite occupations.

My name is Aja Black. I’m a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and a Certified Associate Ergonomist, passionate about helping people live and work better. I'm originally from Sumter, South Carolina—that’s home, and it will always have a special place in my heart. These days, I split my time between Washington, D.C., and Maryland, where I live and work. I’ve been practicing as an occupational therapy practitioner for the past four years, with the majority of that time focused on pediatrics. Working with children and their families to support development, independence, and participation in daily activities has been such a rewarding journey. Over the last two years, I’ve also been diving deep into the field of ergonomics and applying ergonomic principles and standards in the federal workforce. I’ve had the opportunity to study and deliver lectures on how we can better design work environments and routines that support physical health, productivity, and overall well-being. Some of my favorite pastimes and occupations include copywriting, staying active through workouts, exploring new places through travel, nurturing plants and gardening, and making time for intentional rest and recovery.

What motivated you to contribute to this podcast series?

When I first started this job, I leaned heavily on my training and experience as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), along with my academic studies, to develop the program and effectively serve federal employees. At the time, I had to navigate a lot on my own. I learned how to adapt my skills to a nontraditional setting and create meaningful impact in a population that many OTs might overlook. One of the things I’ve come to realize is that many occupational therapy professionals (OTPs) aren’t fully aware of just how broad and adaptable our skill sets truly are. We’re equipped to serve far more diverse populations and in more varied roles than we often give ourselves credit for. That’s why, during my lectures and webinars, I make it a point to share these insights. My goal is to empower other OTPs to step confidently into new practice areas, especially those that may fall outside of traditional clinical settings. I have a wealth of information and lived experience to share, and I do so with the hope of helping others avoid some of the challenges I faced early on. If we can support each other in expanding the boundaries of our profession, we can create even greater impact across a wide range of communities.

Please describe the UncommonOT work that you do and the setting in which you work, the population you serve, and the needs that you address.

I provide both in-person and virtual ergonomic evaluations for federal employees, helping to ensure their work environments support safety, comfort, and efficiency. My assessments are tailored to a wide range of settings, from traditional office spaces to more complex fieldwork environments. I offer practical, evidence-based recommendations to reduce strain, prevent injury, and improve overall function. In addition to evaluations, I conduct webinars and lectures on a variety of ergonomic and occupational health topics. These include: Body mechanics in fieldwork – focusing on safe movement strategies in physically demanding roles The impact of driving vibrations on the nervous system – exploring how prolonged vehicle use affects physical and neurological health Technology use and ergonomic strain – addressing posture, screen time, and device use in both professional and personal settings Psychosocial ergonomics and systems – examining how workplace culture, stress, and social dynamics influence physical health Standard office ergonomics and equipment – covering best practices for workstation setup, seating, and adaptive tools Someone once told me that good question is one that I don't have the answer to. As I speak to people, I learn more about their problems and research to find solutions.

What inspired you or drew you to this type of OT work?

I often tell people that my journey into ergonomics was anything but typical. It was a path that required me to learn quickly and adapt even faster. At first, I didn’t immediately see how this work connected to occupational therapy. As I immersed myself in the role, I began to recognize just how aligned it was. I started connecting the dots between function, environment, and well-being, and realized that ergonomics is a natural extension of our OT foundation.

How did you get there? Can you describe your path?

My journey into Occupational Therapy began in an unexpected way. During my undergraduate studies, one of my academic advisors suggested I steer away from pursuing Physical Therapy, highlighting the competitiveness of the programs and the low likelihood of acceptance. At the time, that advice was hard to process—something I’ve reflected on often. But over time, the emotions tied to that moment have shifted. What once felt like a setback ultimately guided me toward a path that has become deeply meaningful. After earning my B.S. in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from USC Upstate, I went on to complete my A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assisting from Keiser University. Following graduation, I worked in several different settings but eventually found my footing in school-based therapy. Like many practitioners, however, I began to feel the weight of burnout and knew I needed a change. During a period of reevaluation, I revamped my LinkedIn profile, and that turned out to be a turning point. Soon after, a recruiter reached out about a unique role. Initially, I didn’t believe I was qualified. But the recruiter encouraged me to dig deeper and highlight the skills and experiences I had overlooked. With his support, I applied and was offered the position. Although I stepped into the role with a foundational understanding of the field, I lacked direct experience. I had to learn, study, and apply all at once. It was a steep learning curve, but it pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated. This chapter hasn’t been the easiest, but it’s certainly been the most rewarding—opening doors I never imagined and reinforcing just how expansive and impactful our profession can be.

Please describe a typical day or OT session at your uncommon setting? What OT skills do you utilize?

The majority of my day involves a significant amount of communication. This is a skill I’ve had to intentionally refine over time. My mornings typically begin with team check-ins and updates to ensure alignment and address any immediate needs. After that, I review my calendar and go over any new ergonomic evaluation requests or submissions that have come in. The bulk of my day is divided between conducting ergonomic evaluations and dedicating time to reading, research, and writing. This includes drafting detailed evaluation reports, as well as preparing content for upcoming webinars or training sessions. It’s a dynamic role that requires both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills, and it’s one that continues to challenge and inspire me daily. Technical skills that I rely on include functional and task analysis, public speaking, verbal and written communication, research, and program development. Personal skills that rely on include initiative, adaptability, and resilience. The OT skills that I’ve used since day one are empathy, range of motion, treatment planning, clinical reasoning, and observations.

Can you talk about some recent highs (successes) and lows (challenges) of your current role?

In my current role, I’ve experienced a number of professional highs. One of the most rewarding has been setting new standards for the program I manage, driving measurable improvements and growth. Since December 2024, I’ve completed 11 speaking engagements, serving as a guest speaker, panelist, and lecturer. I’m currently enrolled in Georgia Tech’s Professional Occupational Safety and Health program, and I was honored to receive positive feedback about my program from the Program Director. Most recently, I joined the AOTA’s New Innovative Practice Special Interest Section, a step that reflects my commitment to advancing the field. This chapter has also come with its share of challenges. I completed all of my studies independently, which meant learning, applying, and implementing new knowledge simultaneously. This process was both mentally demanding and isolating at times. The transition into this role happened quickly: one day, I was a school-based COTA reporting to supervisors, and the next, I was building programs and making key decisions. I faced imposter syndrome for the first 16 months, and leaned heavily on therapy to navigate both professional and personal hurdles. Despite the difficulties, this period has been one of significant growth and transformation.

How do you continue to learn in order to stay on top of things within your role?

Time management is essential in my role. I rely on a daily agenda and set reminders on my phone to stay organized and on track. Working in the fast-paced environment of the DMV requires me to stay proactive. While I give myself grace to occasionally forget things, I want to avoid those moments as much as possible. When preparing for the Certified Associate Ergonomist (CAE) exam, I took a deep dive into foundational knowledge by reading ergonomic textbooks published between 1993 and 2003. I also follow experienced ergonomists on LinkedIn to stay current with their research, insights, and best practices. Most importantly, I’ve learned to lean on my team and ask for help when needed to stay productive without becoming overwhelmed.

Can you share a little bit about salary and compensation in this setting?  How do OT or the services you provide get funded?

Compensation in this field can vary widely. Many ergonomists find that consulting independently often leads to higher pay or rates compared to working directly for a company. The flexibility and autonomy of independent consulting can also open the door to more specialized or higher-paying opportunities.

Any career advice for our followers and listeners on how to get started on this path?

1. Say Yes When I lectured the OTD cohort at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Dr. Aldridge recommended I read The Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes. That single suggestion became a turning point in my life. From that moment on, I committed to saying “yes” to every opportunity that came my way. Was I fully prepared for each one? No. But I showed up anyway and used tools like backwards chaining to figure things out as I went. I constantly remind myself that I don’t know everything, and I never will—and that’s okay. 2. Trust the Process. If you find yourself placed in a situation where you feel like you’re figuring things out on your own, it’s likely because you’re a pioneer or trailblazer. That role comes with a lot of silence, few cheers, and little recognition. Eventually, you’ll have a moment when everything clicks. That clarity makes the struggle worth it. For example, I taught myself ergonomics from the ground up. Today, I not only understand it deeply enough to lecture at universities, but I’ve also built an additional income stream through this knowledge. 3. Be Ready to Pivot. Not every idea or decision will be the right one. When something doesn’t work out, the instinct might be to quit or make a drastic change. But pivoting doesn’t always mean starting over. The key is to keep one foot planted and make small, thoughtful adjustments. Often, it’s those subtle shifts that help you get back on track without losing momentum.

What’s a common myth or misconception about your job/role you’d like to call out or demystify?

Ergonomics goes far beyond just your desk, chair, keyboard, or mouse. It’s not limited to individuals with disabilities or those recovering from injuries. No matter your occupation or daily responsibilities, everyone can benefit from thinking ergonomically. Whether you’re picking up your child, lifting weights, or simply going about routine tasks, ergonomic principles still apply. The fundamentals remain the same—it's just a matter of adapting them to your specific environment and activity

How do we find you, follow you, be in touch with you, and promote your unique work?

I share most of my updates and future plans on LinkedIn—feel free to connect with me by searching Aja Black, CAE, COTA. For guest speaking, organizational trainings, or university lectures, you can reach me directly at ajathecota@gmail.com. Referrals and recommendations for speaking opportunities are always appreciated!

As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot

THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!

Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series

Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot

To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request

For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform

Happy Listening Friends!

Big OT Love!

All views are mine and guests’ own.

Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.