Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist to deliver individualized therapy interventions that help residents regain independence, improve functional abilities, and maximize their quality of life. This role collaborates closely with residents, families, and the interdisciplinary care team to support exceptional clinical outcomes while promoting dignity, safety, and resident-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide      occupational therapy treatments and therapeutic activities under the      direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist. 
• Assist with      implementing individualized treatment plans designed to improve residents'      ability to perform activities of daily living. 
• Monitor      resident progress and communicate observations and treatment responses to      the supervising Occupational Therapist. 
• Educate      residents and families on therapeutic techniques, adaptive equipment, home      exercise programs, and strategies to maximize independence. 
• Maintain      accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with      professional standards and facility policies. 
• Collaborate      with physicians, nursing staff, therapists, and the interdisciplinary care      team to coordinate comprehensive resident care. 
• Maintain      therapy equipment and treatment areas to ensure a clean, organized, and      safe environment. 
• Participate in      quality improvement initiatives, infection prevention programs,      departmental meetings, and continuing education activities. 
• Support a      positive, respectful, and collaborative therapy environment focused on      achieving the best possible resident outcomes. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Associate      degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program. 
• Current      Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license in the State of Ohio. 
• Current CPR      certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe). 
• Strong      knowledge of occupational therapy principles, treatment techniques, and      rehabilitation practices. 
• Excellent      communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. 
• Ability to work      effectively both independently and collaboratively within an      interdisciplinary healthcare team. 
• Commitment to      providing compassionate, resident-centered care. 
• Ability to meet      the physical demands of the position, including lifting up to 50 pounds,      prolonged standing and walking, bending, pushing, pulling, transferring      residents, and assisting with therapeutic activities. 

Preferred Experience

• Previous      experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, hospital,      or post-acute care settings. 
• Experience      treating geriatric and medically complex residents. 
• Knowledge of      Medicare, PDPM, rehabilitation documentation, and electronic medical      records (EMR). 
• Experience      working within an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. 
• Strong clinical      reasoning, documentation, and time management skills. 
• Passion for      helping residents achieve their highest level of independence and      function.