Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Join Hilo Benioff Medical Center and be part of a team that proudly cares for our friends, family, and neighbors across East Hawaiʻi.

Hilo Benioff Medical Center is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support patients in regaining independence and improving quality of life through therapeutic care. In this role, you will work closely with Occupational Therapists and interdisciplinary teams in an acute hospital setting to deliver hands‑on treatment and help patients achieve meaningful functional outcomes. Join a collaborative healthcare team dedicated to helping patients achieve independence and improved quality of life while serving the diverse communities of East Hawaiʻi.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Occupational Therapists in evaluating patients and developing individualized treatment plans with measurable short- and long-term goals.
• Implement occupational therapy treatment plans independently using a variety of therapeutic techniques to maintain or improve patient function.
• Monitor patient progress, identify the need for treatment modifications or discontinuation, and collaborate with the Occupational Therapist on next steps.
• Adapt therapeutic activities and techniques to meet each patient’s needs, ensuring safe and effective care delivery.
• Document patient evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes, and recommendations accurately and in a timely manner.
• Support the broader therapy program by assisting with splinting, adaptive equipment, scheduling, interdisciplinary coordination, and participation in education and training activities.

Education

• Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
• Successful completion of required supervised fieldwork.

Experience

• Entry Level: No experience required.
• Full Performance Level: One (1) year of experience working with patients in a hospital, clinic, or healthcare program involving occupational therapy assessment and treatment.

Certification & Licensure

• Successful completion of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants required at time of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Workers required within six (6) months of hire.
• Current Occupational Therapy Assistant license issued by the State of Hawai‘i Board of Occupational Therapy required at time of hire.

Substitutions

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-approved program, along with successful completion of the national certification exam for Occupational Therapists, may substitute for the one (1) year of required experience at the full performance level.
• For foreign-trained applicants, a credential evaluation confirming equivalency to a U.S. accredited occupational therapy program may substitute for the required experience at the full performance level.

Preferred Skills

Knowledge of human development, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and occupational therapy techniques. Ability to apply therapeutic interventions, adapt equipment and activities, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams. Demonstrates a positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to patient-centered care.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays each year (104 hours); 14 (112 hours) during election years
• 21 paid vacation days (168 hours) per year
• 21 paid sick days (168 hours) per year
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Participation in the State of Hawaii’s retirement system
• Potential eligibility for various student loan repayment & scholarship programs

Rates listed for paid holidays, vacation and sick days are for 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions assigned to 8 hour shifts. Accruals for these benefits are otherwise prorated based on FTE.

Hire Above the Minimum

This position is being hired above the minimum step.

Shortage Differential

Compensation for this position includes a shortage differential.

Shift Details

Must be available to work shifts, weekends and holidays as necessary based on hospital operations. Services are provided 24/7.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.