Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

At ScionHealth, we empower our caregivers to do what they do best. We value every voice by caring deeply for every patient and each other. We show courage by running toward the challenge and we lean into new ideas by embracing curiosity and question asking. Together, we create our culture by living our values in our day-to-day interactions with our patients and teammates.

Job Summary

• The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. This role involves implementing individualized treatment plans, documenting patient progress, and promoting independence in activities of daily living. The COTA works with patients across the life span in a hospital or rehabilitation setting, ensuring that all care delivered aligns with clinical goals and regulatory standards.

Essential Functions

• Implements treatment plans developed by the Occupational Therapist using appropriate therapeutic techniques
• Monitors and reports patient responses to treatment, recommending adjustments when necessary
• Assists patients in improving physical function, motor coordination, sensory processing, and daily living skills
• Provides education to patients, families, and caregivers regarding therapy goals, home programs, and adaptive equipment
• Collaborates with the care team to support discharge planning and community reintegration
• Maintains accurate, timely documentation of services and patient outcomes
• Supervises rehabilitation aides and ensures compliance with delegated responsibilities
• Participates in departmental meetings, training sessions, and performance improvement initiatives
• Demonstrates awareness of patient safety, infection control, and ethical conduct in all care activities

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, treatment methods, and rehabilitation standards
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build rapport with patients and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Proficient in electronic documentation systems
• Demonstrates empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity
• Capable of adapting care for patients across the developmental spectrum

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to assist with patient transfers and mobility tasks
• Requires visual acuity and hearing sufficient to assess patient needs and communicate effectively

Work Environment

• Work is performed in clinical, inpatient, and outpatient rehabilitation settings
• Occasional exposure to bloodborne pathogens, biohazards, and communicable diseases
• May involve travel between locations or to patient homes, depending on organizational needs

Education

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program

Licenses/Certifications

• Current state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required at hire

Experience

• One year of relevant experience in a clinical or rehabilitative setting preferred
• Must demonstrate sound clinical judgment and the ability to work independently
• Experience working with diverse patient populations, including geriatrics and pediatrics, preferred