Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

OVERVIEW:  

At Lymphedema Therapy Specialists, Inc. (LTS), we believe our work is more than just a job, it’s a calling. Our mission is rooted in a deep commitment to serve our patients and one another with compassion, integrity, and excellence. Everything we do is guided by faith, love, and unity — values that shape our culture and define how we care for others.

We are a team driven by generosity offering our time, talents, and resources wholeheartedly to meet the needs of our patients and community. Excellence matters to us, not only in our clinical care but in every interaction and task, big or small. We listen with empathy, communicate with kindness, and strive to heal lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

At LTS, every individual is seen, valued, and empowered. We believe in investing in our people, encouraging both personal and professional growth as each team member steps more fully into their God-given purpose. We honor the unique contributions of our staff, recognizing their work as a blessing to those we serve.

Joining LTS means becoming part of a mission-driven team united by faith and purpose. If you’re seeking a role where your work has meaning and your gifts can truly make a difference, you’ll find a home here. Welcome to a place where healing happens for our patients, our team, and our community.

We encourage you to visit our website at before applying to learn more about our company, culture, and mission.  

JOB SUMMARY:

At Lymphedema Therapy Specialists, Inc. (LTS), the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) plays a vital and compassionate role in fulfilling our mission to serve our patients and one another with excellence, compassion, and integrity. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide hands-on, specialized care to individuals affected by lymphedema, supporting patients on their journey to restored function, dignity, and quality of life. The COTA works under the direction of licensed Occupational Therapists to implement individualized treatment plans based on the principles of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDPT). This includes assisting with manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education in self-care and management strategies.

The ideal COTA brings clinical knowledge, a servant mindset, and a warm, encouraging presence to each patient interaction. A successful team member will be committed to patient-centered, faith-guided service and will consistently reflect our core values of love, unity, generosity, and excellence in every aspect of care. In addition to direct patient treatment, the COTA collaborates closely with Occupational Therapists, Medical Assistants, and physicians to support comprehensive care planning and progress tracking. This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a passion for continuous learning and growth in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.

If you are a dedicated professional with a heart for service and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, this position offers a rewarding opportunity for both personal and professional growth. At Lymphedema Therapy Specialists, we are committed to working with compassion and excellence to ensure every patient receives the highest quality care.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluate patients with lymphedema or related conditions using standardized assessments, clinical observation, and patient history to develop individualized treatment plans.
• Provide direct therapeutic interventions developed by the Occupational Therapist, including manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), complete decongestive therapy (CDT), compression bandaging, skin care, and therapeutic exercise.
• Prepare and maintain exam rooms by disinfecting surfaces, replacing linens, and ensuring all equipment is clean, organized, and ready for use.
• Support Medical Assistants (MA) and clinical staff in providing patient care, including wound care, bandaging, range of motion (ROM) exercises, and compression garment fittings.
• Educate patients and caregivers on home management techniques, including self-bandaging, skin care, infection prevention, wound management, exercise, and use of compression garments. 
• Perform clinical assessments and testing such as limb measurements, vital signs, and wound cultures, as directed by licensed physicians and clinic management.
• Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. 
• Uphold infection control protocols by maintaining a high standard of cleanliness across all therapy and patient care areas.
• Dispense and explain the proper use of durable medical equipment (DME) such as pneumatic pumps, compression garments, and bandaging supplies to patients and caregivers.
• Enter and update patient data in the EMR (AdvancedMD), including vital signs, visit times, wound care notes, and documentation during physician assessments such as medical history and review of systems (ROS).
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, including activating EMS or performing CPR if certified and necessary.
• Assist with the ordering, tracking, and inventory of compression garments and other clinical supplies, as assigned.
• Complete and submit DME documentation and related paperwork to ensure timely and accurate issuance of medical equipment and supplies.
• Participate in internal audits or quality improvement initiatives, especially related to infection control or patient care quality. 
• Promote a collaborative team culture rooted in unity, service, and continuous improvement, in alignment with the mission and values of LTS.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations and protect patient confidentiality at all times.
• Maintain professional licensure and certifications; participate in required continuing education and skills competency assessments.
• Demonstrate alignment with the spiritual mission of LTS by modeling compassion, service, humility, and excellence in every interaction.
• Execute various tasks, as assigned by your manager, supervisor, or company officer, whether within your standard duties or as requested beyond regular responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Licensure:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) program.
• Current valid Texas COTA license. 
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• All required certifications must be active and verified prior to providing independent patient care.

Work Experience:

• 2 – 5+ years of hands-on clinical experience as a COTA in outpatient, rehabilitation, or specialty care settings preferred. However, recent graduates/newly certified OTAs welcome to apply.
• Certification in Lymphedema Therapy (CLT) is highly preferred. Candidates with prior experience treating lymphedema patients or familiarity with Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) protocols will be strongly considered. 
• Prior experience in lymphedema and wound care is not required for hire, as comprehensive training in both areas will be provided during the 90-day introductory period. 

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Compassionate, empathetic, and patient-centered approach to care delivery.
• Proven ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and remain organized in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Solid understanding of HIPAA regulations and commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Highly teachable and eager to learn, with strong adaptability to new procedures, technologies, team dynamics, and a commitment to continuous growth through feedback. 
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR); prior use of AdvancedMD is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Skilled in time management and prioritization in a fast-paced clinical setting.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules, manage multiple responsibilities, and maintain a high level of professionalism under pressure.
• Alignment with the mission, vision, and core values of LTS, including integrity, service, and excellence.

Physical Requirements:

• This position is in a clinical outpatient setting, focused on delivering specialized care to patients with lymphedema and related conditions. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally to frequently.
• Capable of prolonged standing, frequent walking, stooping, squatting, and performing repetitive physical tasks.
• Must possess fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and physical dexterity required for therapy techniques and equipment use.
• Protective personal equipment (PPE) is provided and used in accordance with infection control guidelines.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Clinical & Assessment Tools:

• Limb measurement tapes for volume tracking
• Digital thermometer
• Pulse oximeter & blood pressure cuff
• Wound measurement tools
• Goniometers and dynamometers
• Functional assessment tools (e.g., pain scales, mobility tests)

Wound Care Supplies:

• Wound dressings
• Cleansing solutions
• Sterile gloves, drapes, and irrigation tools
• Swab kits for cultures

Compression and DME Tools:

• Compression garments
• Short-stretch bandages
• Foam padding and liners
• Pneumatic Compression Pumps (PCDs)
• Doffing and donning aids

Technology & Administrative Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems (e.g., AdvancedMD)
• Desktop and laptop computers, tablets
• Office equipment: printers, phones, fax, scanners
• Scheduling and patient communication software

Position Classification:

• This is an hourly, non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime pay.
• Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, credentials, and qualifications.
• Additional benefits may include paid time off, health insurance, professional development support, and other offerings consistent with company policy.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary (DOE)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
• Professional development and training support
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Weekly team lunches and company-sponsored events

Lymphedema Therapy Specialists, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and safe work environment for all employees.