Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Ultimate Therapy at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Scotch Plains is hiring a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for a full-time role in our skilled nursing facility. Join a respected team delivering personalized care to residents.


Why Choose to Work as a COTA in a Skilled Nursing Facility?

Working in an SNF offers unique rewards that many Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants find deeply fulfilling:

• Build lasting relationships with residents and see meaningful, long-term progress in daily living skills, independence, and participation in activities that matter; helping them regain confidence in self-care, leisure, and everyday occupations they value.
• Enjoy a diverse caseload with varied diagnoses (e.g., post-stroke, dementia, orthopedic conditions, neurological disorders), allowing you to implement hands-on, occupation-based treatments with focused time per patient.
• Collaborate closely in a supportive interdisciplinary team, where you play a vital role in carrying out plans, reporting progress, adapting environments, and directly enhancing resident quality of life while preventing complications and supporting independence.
• Benefit from strong job stability, competitive pay potential in nursing facilities, and the chance to make a real difference in geriatric and post-acute care amid growing demand for skilled support in daily function and meaningful engagement.

In this Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant role, you'll:

• Assist the supervising Occupational Therapist in evaluating patient status, observing during/after treatments, and reporting progress or changes.
• Implement individualized treatment plans as a COTA, including ADL retraining, adaptive techniques, cognitive strategies, fine motor exercises, and use of assistive devices for daily activities.
• Set clear goals with patients, educate them and families on expectations, and build understanding of their rehab process.
• Counsel patients and families while maintaining precise documentation for all visits, treatments, and outcomes.

We're seeking a collaborative Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA who enjoys team environments, ongoing training, CEUs, and input on decisions. Ready to bring your skills to skilled nursing therapy? Apply now!

Requirements:

• Active state Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant license required.

Perks & Highlights:

• Unlimited referral bonus; up to $1,000 per successful referral.
• Multiple locations offered, but optional, for PRN coverage; potential full-time opportunity at additional locations.
• This is a direct hire position (no agency).
• Visit

Full-Time Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Annual reviews with raise opportunities
• CEU reimbursement
• Parental leave, disability insurance, advancement paths, and more...

Frequently Asked Questions


Am I guaranteed 40 hours?

While we cannot guarantee hours, we are typically able to offer a full caseload. Majority of our facilities are in close proximity, allowing us to offer you additional hours at nearby locations.

Do you give raises?

Staff are eligible for performance reviews, where there is always an opportunity for an increase.

Why is this position open?

What makes our field unique is the wide range of practice specialties available. When therapists or DORs move on, it's usually to retire or to pursue a different clinical setting rather than to join a competitor. In fact, many maintain PRN relationships with us, and we rarely see therapists transition to competing SNFs.

How does corporate support the therapists on the floors?

Majority of our Regional Directors, as well as many corporate members, are therapists themselves. All of our Directors understand how hard it is to meet the ever-changing demands of Medicare and insurance guidelines. They are all actively present in the facilities, collaborating directly with each team member to ensure you have a well-supported work environment.

What type of mentorship or support do you provide for new grads?

We offer a comprehensive mentorship program to support new grads from day one. You'll be paired with an experienced therapist who will guide you through documentation, evaluations, treatment methods, and more. Our approach is tailored to your learning style, and as you gain confidence and begin working independently, your mentor and our clinical team will continue to provide support whenever needed.