Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works alongside a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide quality occupational therapy services across a variety of therapy settings and patient/resident populations. Under the direction and supervision of the Occupational Therapist, the COTA implements established treatment plans designed to help individuals improve functional abilities, increase independence, and overcome challenges related to illness, injury, disability, or other conditions affecting daily activities.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, collaborative, detail-oriented, and committed to providing exceptional care while supporting each patient/resident in achieving their highest level of independence and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the delivery of occupational therapy services under the direction and supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist.
• Implement occupational therapy treatment plans established by the Occupational Therapist in accordance with applicable professional standards, including American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) guidelines, state and federal laws, regulations, and applicable practice acts.
• Work collaboratively with the Occupational Therapist by offering suggestions, providing feedback, carrying out agreed-upon activities, and communicating concerns in a constructive and professional manner.
• Guide and encourage patients/residents through therapeutic exercises and activities, providing physical assistance when necessary.
• Monitor patients/residents during therapy activities and identify environmental needs, barriers, or safety concerns that may affect treatment or recovery.
• Make recommendations regarding appropriate accommodations or modifications to the Occupational Therapist and assist with implementing approved recommendations.
• Accurately document occupational therapy services in the patient's/resident's medical record.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with facility policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Prepare required documentation for billing, discharge planning, assessments, and other clinical purposes as directed by the Occupational Therapist or Rehabilitation Director.
• Provide information needed for the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI), as applicable, including functional abilities, functional status, range of motion, self-care activities, therapy minutes, and distinct calendar days during designated observation periods.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, business development activities, and customer service programs as required.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service when interacting with patients/residents, families, coworkers, providers, and other internal and external customers.
• Follow all facility policies and procedures, including those related to patient/resident safety, confidentiality, infection prevention, documentation, and quality of care.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Ability to identify patient/resident needs and recognize opportunities to promote health, wellness, and independence.
• Ability to gather, interpret, and communicate information related to a patient's/resident's condition and functional status.
• Demonstrates sound clinical judgment, logical thinking, and accurate therapy skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Ability to collaborate with patients/residents, families, caregivers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to adapt to changing patient/resident needs and support positive change within the therapy environment.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Commitment to compassionate, respectful, and person-centered care.

Technology Skills

• Familiarity with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
• Experience with systems such as Epic and PointClickCare is preferred.
• Ability to accurately document and retrieve patient/resident information electronically.

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Current state licensure or eligibility for licensure as required by applicable state law.
• Must maintain all required certifications, licenses, and credentials.
• Previous experience in a healthcare, rehabilitation, hospital, outpatient, or long-term care setting is preferred.
• Strong commitment to patient/resident-centered care and professional standards.