Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation•Portage, IN

10d

About The Position

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides rehabilitative services for children and adults under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR). The role assists patients in achieving functional goals related to daily living and mobility by implementing prescribed therapeutic interventions, observing and reporting patient progress, and supporting continuity of care in alignment with individualized care plans and regulatory standards. The position administers individual or group activity-based therapy sessions, documents treatment and patient responses, communicates with the rehabilitation team, and helps maintain safe treatment areas and equipment. The COTA also attends interdisciplinary meetings and supports performance improvement initiatives.

Requirements

0–1 years of healthcare experience with adults, geriatrics, or individuals with physical disabilities required.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license in the state of employment required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, techniques, and assistive devices.
Ability to follow treatment plans, observe patient performance, and accurately document clinical data.
Effective communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary environment.
Understanding of patient safety, infection control practices, and age-appropriate care.
Proficiency with basic computer systems and electronic documentation platforms.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of clinical experience in an inpatient, outpatient, or skilled nursing setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer occupational therapy treatment programs for diverse patient populations as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist and in accordance with individualized care plans and established standards.
Observe patient responses to treatment, report changes in condition, and recommend potential treatment plan modifications to the supervising therapist.
Conduct group or individual activity-based therapy sessions within the COTA scope of practice.
Document treatments, patient responses, and relevant observations in the medical record, obtaining supervising Occupational Therapist co-signatures on progress notes when required.
Communicate with supervising therapists, rehabilitation team members, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers to support coordinated care.
Maintain treatment areas and equipment in a clean, organized, and safe condition; promptly report safety concerns or equipment issues.
Apply therapeutic precautions, contraindications, and age-specific considerations when administering care.
Attend interdisciplinary team meetings, contribute to patient care discussions, and support performance improvement initiatives.
Demonstrate proficiency with required technical and documentation systems, including electronic health records and therapy documentation software.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Comply with all policies and standards.