Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Lymphedema Therapy Specia•Houston, TX

3d•$32 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

Lymphedema Therapy Specialists, Inc. (LTS) is a mission-driven, faith-guided organization committed to serving patients with compassion, integrity, and excellence. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides hands-on, specialized care to individuals affected by lymphedema and related conditions, supporting improved function and quality of life. Working under the direction of licensed Occupational Therapists, the COTA implements individualized treatment plans based on Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDPT), including manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education in self-care and management strategies. The COTA collaborates with Occupational Therapists, Medical Assistants, physicians, and other clinical staff on comprehensive care planning and progress tracking. The position combines direct patient treatment with clinical assessments, patient and caregiver education, documentation, equipment support, and infection control. LTS seeks a compassionate, adaptable, team-oriented professional who embraces the organization's values of love, unity, generosity, service, and excellence, and who is committed to ongoing learning and growth. This is an hourly, non-exempt position eligible for overtime pay. The schedule consists of an 8.5-hour shift with a 30-minute lunch break, five days per week, with a Saturday rotation approximately one to two times per month. Employees scheduled on Saturday receive a weekday off; otherwise, the regular schedule is Monday through Friday. Compensation is competitive and based on experience, credentials, and qualifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) program.
Current, valid Texas COTA license.
Current BLS and CPR certifications; required certifications must be active and verified before providing independent patient care.
Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
Compassionate, empathetic, patient-centered approach to care.
Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and stay organized in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality.
Adaptability, willingness to learn, and commitment to growth through feedback.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Time-management and prioritization skills in a fast-paced clinical setting.
Ability to adapt to changing schedules, manage multiple responsibilities, and maintain professionalism under pressure.
Alignment with LTS's mission, vision, and core values, including integrity, service, and excellence.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally to frequently.
Ability to stand for prolonged periods; walk, stoop, and squat frequently; and perform repetitive physical tasks.
Fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and physical dexterity necessary for therapy techniques and equipment use.

Nice To Haves

Two to five or more years of hands-on COTA experience in outpatient, rehabilitation, or specialty care settings; recent graduates and newly certified OTAs are also welcome to apply.
Certification in Lymphedema Therapy (CLT) is highly preferred.
Experience treating lymphedema patients or familiarity with Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) protocols is strongly considered.
Experience with electronic health records; prior AdvancedMD experience is a plus.
Prior lymphedema and wound care experience is not required; training in both areas is provided during the 90-day introductory period.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients with lymphedema or related conditions using standardized assessments, clinical observation, and patient history.
Provide Occupational Therapist-directed interventions, including manual lymphatic drainage, complete decongestive therapy, compression bandaging, skin care, and therapeutic exercise.
Prepare and maintain exam rooms by disinfecting surfaces, replacing linens, and keeping equipment clean, organized, and ready for use.
Support Medical Assistants and clinical staff with patient care, including wound care, bandaging, range-of-motion exercises, and compression garment fittings.
Educate patients and caregivers on home management, including self-bandaging, skin care, infection prevention, wound management, exercise, and compression garment use.
Perform clinical assessments and testing, including limb measurements, vital signs, and wound cultures, as directed by licensed physicians and clinic management.
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed to support optimal clinical outcomes.
Follow infection control protocols and maintain cleanliness in therapy and patient care areas.
Dispense durable medical equipment, including pneumatic pumps, compression garments, and bandaging supplies, and explain proper use to patients and caregivers.
Enter and update patient information in the AdvancedMD EMR, including vital signs, visit times, wound care notes, and documentation during physician assessments.
Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, including activating EMS or performing CPR when certified and necessary.
Assist with ordering, tracking, and inventory of compression garments and other clinical supplies.
Complete and submit durable medical equipment documentation and related paperwork accurately and on time.
Participate in internal audits and quality improvement initiatives, particularly those related to infection control and patient care quality.
Promote a collaborative team culture rooted in unity, service, and continuous improvement, consistent with LTS's mission and values.
Comply with HIPAA requirements and protect patient confidentiality.
Maintain professional licensure and certifications and participate in required continuing education and skills competency assessments.
Model compassion, service, humility, and excellence in alignment with the spiritual mission of LTS.
Perform other tasks assigned by a manager, supervisor, or company officer, including tasks beyond standard responsibilities.