Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy AssistantThis Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant role is based in Spokane, Washington, a vibrant city that blends urban amenities with exceptional outdoor access. Spokane offers scenic riverfront trails, nearby mountains, and parks that make it easy to enjoy hiking, biking, and year-round outdoor recreation. The city is known for its charming downtown, local restaurants, craft breweries, and a growing arts and culture scene that includes theaters, galleries, live music, and seasonal festivals. With a welcoming community feel, reasonable cost of living, and convenient access to lakes, ski areas, and wine country, Spokane provides an appealing lifestyle for clinicians who value both career growth and quality of life. The position is in a skilled nursing facility with a strong focus on rehabilitation and post-acute recovery, serving primarily adult and geriatric patients. The facility provides comprehensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy services alongside skilled nursing care, allowing COTAs to contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary treatment plans. You will work closely with supervising occupational therapists and a collaborative team of therapy and nursing professionals who are dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. Typical responsibilities include assisting with evaluations under the direction of an OT, implementing treatment plans, and providing one-on-one and small-group interventions focused on ADLs, functional mobility, strength, endurance, and cognitive skills. You will help patients regain independence in self-care, home management, and community reintegration, and will participate in patient and family education to support safe discharge planning. Daily tasks also include documenting treatment sessions, tracking progress, and communicating with the care team during rounds and care conferences. A typical day may involve treating a varied caseload of short-stay rehab patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, and medical events, as well as long-term residents requiring maintenance or restorative programs. Treatment is delivered in both therapy gym and bedside settings, with a focus on functional, goal-oriented activities. Patient ratios are designed to support quality, individualized therapy, with scheduling that balances productivity expectations and clinical judgment. The facility's environment emphasizes teamwork, professional respect, and open communication. You can expect support from experienced therapists and nursing staff, along with opportunities to refine your clinical skills and grow within the rehab setting. Depending on the unit structure, the facility may include dedicated rehab wings and access to specialized equipment to provide progressive, evidence-based interventions. Shifts are generally full-time with daytime hours, and may include some weekend or holiday coverage to meet patient needs and support continuity of care. Start and end times may vary based on caseload and staffing, but the schedule is oriented toward consistent, predictable workdays that allow for a healthy work-life balance in the Spokane area. This COTA role is a strong fit for clinicians who enjoy collaborative rehabilitation work, value contributing to patients' recovery journeys, and want to live in a community with abundant outdoor activities, a lively downtown, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.