Occupational Therapy Assistant (Northwest, AR)

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is a member of the interdisciplinary team that provides direct patient care and treats geriatric patients at PACE of the Ozarks, monitoring the care and progress of patients in their care. This position is governed by the Arkansas State Board of Occupational Therapy, state and federal laws and agency policy. The duties of the OT Assistant contribute to the effort to further the mission of UAMS: to improve the health and health care of Arkansans. This is a PRN position located in Northwest Arkansas and supports patient care at PACE of the Ozarks, as well as other assigned locations as needed.

Closing Date: 09/05/2026

Type of Position: Clinical Staff - Medical Ancillary Support

Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term)

Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available: No

Institution Name: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only):

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

Summary of Job Duties:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is a member of the interdisciplinary team that provides direct patient care and treats geriatric patients at PACE of the Ozarks, monitoring the care and progress of patients in their care. This position is governed by the Arkansas State Board of Occupational Therapy, state and federal laws and agency policy. The duties of the OT Assistant contribute to the effort to further the mission of UAMS: to improve the health and health care of Arkansans. This is a PRN position located in Northwest Arkansas and supports patient care at PACE of the Ozarks, as well as other assigned locations as needed.

Qualifications:

• Associate in Applied Science Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Two (2) years of COTA experience
• Certified by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) or eligible to apply and obtain a license within one month of hire.
• Licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board as an Occupational Therapist Assistant.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Must have a strong background in the treatment of neurologic disorders.
• Ability to provide compassionate and effective care tailored to geriatric patients.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with Arkansas State Board of Occupational Therapy regulations and agency policies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to interact with patients, families, and team members.
• Strong organizational skills to document patient progress and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to adapt treatment plans to meet patient needs and address challenges effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four (4) years of COTA experience
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or Marshallese
• Certified by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Current Arkansas license.
• LSVT BIG certified.

Additional Information:

• Provides fine motor assessment and treatment using evidence-based techniques. Implements direct therapy for patients in the areas of fine motor skills, visual perceptual motor skills, sensory processing and self-help skills in addition to upper extremity strength, range of motion, muscle tone, dynamic sitting/standing balance for functional task and trunk stability, under the direction of the Occupational Therapist, based upon findings from a comprehensive evaluation using evidence-based techniques. Collaborates with other therapy professionals and clinical staff to ensure the most positive outcome for the patient. Continually monitors progress and recommends modifications to the treatment plan as needed. Documents services provided in a professional, timely manner. Verifies accuracy of documentation through careful review of progress notes and the patient's individual Rx requirements. This position will be based at the PACE of the Ozarks building in Springdale, working in the day center.
• Documents daily treatments and observations in patient's progress notes and prepares monthly patient performance summary as related to program goals and objectives and submits to occupational therapist.
• VA Home treatments.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply: License or Certificate (see special instructions for submission instructions), List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information: Please contact View email address on click.appcast.io for any recruiting related questions.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Adult Maltreatment, Child Maltreatment

This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Constant Physical Activity: Hearing, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Reaching, Sitting, Standing

Frequent Physical Activity: Talking

Occasional Physical Activity: Crouching, Kneeling, Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Stooping

Benefits Eligible: No