Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Job Description

Job Description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Per Diem/PRN Available

Competitive Therapy Wages!

At Aspire Senior Living , our mission is to transform lives through Accountability, Service, Passion, Integrity, Resilience, and Excellence . With an unwavering commitment to our residents and an employee-focused approach, we create a brighter future for our communities and empower our team to deliver exceptional care and support.

Aspire Senior Living Roaring River is seeking a compassionate and motivated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our Therapy team.

Working under the direction of an Occupational Therapist (OT), the COTA provides skilled therapeutic interventions designed to help residents improve functional abilities, regain independence, and safely participate in activities of daily living (ADLs).

This position is ideal for a therapy professional who enjoys building relationships with residents, celebrating progress, and helping individuals achieve greater independence and quality of life.

Therapeutic Treatment & Resident Care

• Implement individualized treatment plans established by the Occupational Therapist.

• Provide skilled therapeutic interventions to address functional limitations and support resident goals.

• Assist residents with therapeutic exercises and functional activities related to dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting, feeding, mobility, and other ADLs.

• Help residents develop or regain the skills needed to participate as independently as possible in daily routines.

• Monitor resident tolerance and response to treatment and communicate findings to the supervising Occupational Therapist.

• Modify treatment activities within the established plan of care based on resident performance and direction from the OT.

Functional Independence & Adaptive Techniques

• Train residents in adaptive techniques designed to improve safety and independence.

• Assist with the use of adaptive equipment, assistive devices, positioning techniques, and other therapeutic tools.

• Educate residents and caregivers on the appropriate use of equipment and recommended safety strategies.

• Help identify barriers that may affect a resident's ability to safely perform daily activities.

• Collaborate with the Occupational Therapist regarding recommendations for environmental modifications and adaptive equipment.

Cognitive & Psychosocial Support

• Implement therapeutic activities addressing cognition, memory, problem-solving, sequencing, and other skills needed for daily living.

• Encourage active resident participation and provide motivation throughout therapy sessions.

• Incorporate meaningful activities into treatment to promote engagement and functional progress.

• Provide compassionate encouragement and emotional support while respecting each resident's dignity, preferences, and abilities.

Documentation & Progress Monitoring

• Complete accurate and timely documentation of treatment sessions according to professional, regulatory, and facility requirements.

• Document resident response to treatment, progress toward goals, functional changes, and interventions provided.

• Communicate changes in resident condition or performance to the Occupational Therapist and appropriate interdisciplinary team members.

• Maintain documentation that supports continuity of care and the resident's established treatment plan.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Nursing, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.

• Participate in care conferences, therapy meetings, and resident care planning as appropriate.

• Communicate resident progress, barriers, and functional needs to the supervising Occupational Therapist.

• Provide education to residents, caregivers, and team members regarding occupational therapy strategies and techniques when appropriate.

• Perform other duties as assigned and within the COTA's scope of practice.

• Associate's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program required.

• Current Missouri state licensure/certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant required.

• Current credentials and certifications required by applicable state and federal regulations.

• 1–2 years of clinical experience preferred, particularly in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, senior living, or geriatrics.

• New graduates may be considered based on community needs and applicable requirements.

• Knowledge of therapeutic interventions, functional activities, adaptive equipment, and treatment techniques.

• Understanding of activities of daily living and strategies for improving resident independence.

• Strong clinical observation and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to follow and implement treatment plans established by the Occupational Therapist.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.

• Compassionate, encouraging, and resident-focused approach to care.

• Commitment to protecting resident dignity, privacy, independence, and quality of life.

As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant , you'll have the opportunity to see the impact of your work firsthand—from helping a resident regain the ability to complete everyday tasks to building the confidence needed for greater independence.

At Aspire Senior Living, we're looking for COTAs who bring clinical skill, encouragement, compassion, and positive energy to every treatment session.

If you're ready to help residents achieve meaningful goals and celebrate their progress along the way, we'd love to meet you!

Apply Today and grow your therapy career with Aspire Senior Living Roaring River!

Accountability. Service. Passion. Integrity. Resilience. Excellence.