Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist to deliver individualized therapy interventions that help residents regain independence, improve functional abilities, and maximize their quality of life. This role collaborates closely with residents, families, and the interdisciplinary care team to support exceptional clinical outcomes while promoting dignity, safety, and resident-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy treatments and therapeutic activities under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
• Assist with implementing individualized treatment plans designed to improve residents' ability to perform activities of daily living.
• Monitor resident progress and communicate observations and treatment responses to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Educate residents and families on therapeutic techniques, adaptive equipment, home exercise programs, and strategies to maximize independence.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with professional standards and facility policies.
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, therapists, and the interdisciplinary care team to coordinate comprehensive resident care.
• Maintain therapy equipment and treatment areas to ensure a clean, organized, and safe environment.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, infection prevention programs, departmental meetings, and continuing education activities.
• Support a positive, respectful, and collaborative therapy environment focused on achieving the best possible resident outcomes.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license in the State of Ohio.
• Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).
• Strong knowledge of occupational therapy principles, treatment techniques, and rehabilitation practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Commitment to providing compassionate, resident-centered care.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including lifting up to 50 pounds, prolonged standing and walking, bending, pushing, pulling, transferring residents, and assisting with therapeutic activities.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, hospital, or post-acute care settings.
• Experience treating geriatric and medically complex residents.
• Knowledge of Medicare, PDPM, rehabilitation documentation, and electronic medical records (EMR).
• Experience working within an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.
• Strong clinical reasoning, documentation, and time management skills.
• Passion for helping residents achieve their highest level of independence and function.