Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

UHS•Anchorage, AK

7d•Onsite

About The Position

North Star Behavioral Health, Alaska's premier mental health facility, is on a mission to provide hope and healing to individuals facing psychiatric or substance abuse challenges. We provide acute inpatient and residential levels of care for children and adolescents. We also provide voluntary services to adults through our Arctic Recovery detox program. Our commitment is to prioritize patient care, offering excellence, comfort, and security during their most vulnerable moments. Join us, and you'll become part of a supportive network of peers and leaders dedicated to continuous learning and industry excellence. At North Star, your career can thrive through robust education opportunities and advancement within the Universal Health Services (UHS) network. Who is North Star: At North Star Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to delivering a level of care that not only meets but exceeds expectations. Our vision is simple yet profound: to provide care that patients enthusiastically recommend to their family and friends, care that physicians prefer for their patients, and care that our employees take pride in delivering every day. We uphold this vision by wholeheartedly embracing the following principles: Service Excellence Continuous Improvement Employee Development Ethical and Fair Treatment Teamwork Compassion Innovation Our commitment to excellence isn't just a slogan—it's a way of life at North Star Behavioral Health. If you share these values and are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families facing mental health challenges, we invite you to join our team. The Certified Occupation Therapy Assistant is responsible for helping patients improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. Patients may have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. Together, we can continue to provide the highest level of care and create a brighter future for those we serve.

Requirements

An Associates level degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (licensed required).
0-3 years experience in Occupational Therapy in a Mental Health Setting or equivalent role in a clinical setting.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Collaborates closely with the Occupational Therapist to develop, implement, and monitor patient-centered treatment plans and goals. Through effective communication, clinical observations, and ongoing feedback, supports individualized interventions that enhance participation in daily activities, promote functional independence, and achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Plans and conducts individual and group interventions in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist to improve functioning and quality of life for individuals affected by or at risk for mental illness. Completes cognitive, functional, ADL, and sensory assessments to identify barriers to occupational performance and support treatment planning. Collects, analyzes, and documents assessment findings and patient progress using occupational therapy principles and evidence-based practices. In concert with the Occupation Therapist, implements the group and individual interventions as developed.
Assists patients in developing coping, social, life, and independent living skills while promoting engagement in meaningful occupations and achievement of individualized treatment goals. Performs these duties consistent with Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure, education, clinical training, demonstrated competencies, and applicable professional standards under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist.
Assist patients to develop, recover, or maintain psychosocial functioning and integrate skills for life role satisfaction. Help individuals improve basic reasoning, sensory modulation, executive functioning skills, social participation, and leisure activities to promote development of healthy habits and routines.
Contributes to the assessment and evaluation process as required and directed by the Occupational Therapist through objective observation, data collection, and communication of patient performance, ensuring treatment plans remain effective and responsive to patients evolving needs.
Advocates and promotes mental health and wellbeing of all patients by supporting their emotional and mental wellbeing through incorporating meaningful functional based activities that reduce stress, build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and enhance overall quality of life, while collaborating with healthcare team members to address psychosocial needs and provide holistic care.
Serves as an educator and mentor to therapy students, peers, and other healthcare professionals by facilitating learning experiences, demonstrating best occupational based practices, providing clinical guidance, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Utilizes occupational therapy knowledge and evidence-based practice to support professional development, enhance clinical competence, and improve patient outcomes through the effective application of occupational therapy principles.
Follow medical practices policies related to compliance, safety, and infection control. Document patient treatment and outcomes in medical record in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.