Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Advanced Health Care of Allentown•Allentown, PA

About The Position

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) assists Occupational Therapists in providing high-quality rehabilitative services to residents, helping them regain independence in activities of daily living and improve their quality of life. The role is based in a brand-new facility and is full-time, with a weekday and weekend schedule during the day. The COTA implements individualized treatment plans, supports residents during therapy, documents progress, and coordinates care with Occupational Therapists and other team members. The position also involves working with residents and their families on goals and therapeutic strategies, contributing to care planning, and maintaining current professional knowledge and licensure.

Requirements

Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
At least 1 year of experience in a similar field.
State licensure or eligibility for licensure as a COTA in the state where the work is performed.
Strong clinical skills in providing rehabilitative services to individuals with varied diagnoses and functional limitations.
Ability to build rapport with residents through a compassionate and caring demeanor.
Commitment to high-quality, resident-centered care delivered with empathy and compassion.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with residents, families, and team members.
Ability to work directly with residents, families, and team members in a medical setting.
Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, stretch, and twist.
Vision including close, distance, and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Ability to assist residents with mobility tasks, including transfers, standing, walking, and positioning for therapy.
Ability to lift or maneuver equipment such as therapy mats, adaptive devices, or weights as needed.
Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality according to the department supervisor’s or manager’s schedule.
Ability to accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Capacity to stand for extended periods and move around the facility to reach residents’ rooms and therapy spaces.
Ability to keep the hand and arm steady while moving or holding them in position.
Stamina to work full shifts and perform repetitive tasks, including providing therapy to multiple residents and documenting training sessions.

Nice To Haves

Clinical experience in a skilled nursing facility or similar healthcare setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist Occupational Therapists in assessing residents’ physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning, including their ability to perform activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living.
Implement individualized treatment plans developed by Occupational Therapists, using therapeutic exercises, activities, and interventions to improve residents’ functional abilities and achieve treatment goals.
Provide hands-on assistance and guidance during therapy sessions, ensuring safety, proper technique, and therapeutic outcomes.
Use adaptive equipment, assistive devices, and environmental modifications to support residents’ participation and independence in daily tasks.
Document resident progress, treatment interventions, and outcomes accurately and promptly in accordance with facility policies and regulatory requirements.
Communicate with Occupational Therapists, nursing staff, and other team members to coordinate care, share information, and promote continuity of services.
Collaborate with residents and families to establish goals, explain therapeutic techniques and strategies, and provide support throughout rehabilitation.
Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and discharge-planning discussions to contribute to resident care planning and goal setting.
Stay current on best practices, evidence-based interventions, and regulatory changes, and participate in continuing education and professional development as needed.
Maintain professional licensure and adhere to relevant professional organizations’ ethical standards.
Perform other assigned duties.