What are the responsibilities and job description for the CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (COTA) - Full Time Day Shift position at FAIRFIELD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION?
NATURE OF WORK
Fairfield Memorial Hospital is seeking a compassionate, skilled Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our Therapy Services team. The COTA plays a vital role in supporting high‑quality rehabilitative care by assisting with therapeutic treatments, guiding patients through functional activities, and helping them achieve greater independence in daily living. Working under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the COTA provides hands‑on care, observes patient progress, and contributes to individualized treatment planning. The COTA supports FMH’s mission by delivering patient‑centered therapy services across the lifespan, maintaining accurate documentation, and collaborating with interdisciplinary team members. The COTA also assists with equipment use, clerical tasks, and departmental operations while upholding safety standards, professionalism, and a commitment to exceptional patient care.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Administer therapeutic treatments including active/passive exercises, manual therapy, and heat, light, sound, water, and electrical modalities (e.g., ultrasound, e‑stim, hot/cold packs, ADLs, iontophoresis)
- Instruct and motivate patients in functional activities such as transfers, mobility, and daily living skills
- Observe and document patient responses and report progress to the supervising Occupational Therapist
- Fit and adjust orthopedic devices and train patients in proper use and care
- Collaborate with therapy and healthcare staff to coordinate and modify treatment plans
- Perform clerical and departmental tasks including inventory, supply ordering, phone communication, and form completion
- Measure patient functional parameters such as ROM, girth, and vital signs to support treatment evaluation
- Deliver age‑appropriate care to toddler, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients
- Promote teamwork and positive interactions while supporting conflict resolution and service excellence
- Support pain management care addressing psychosocial and physical needs
COMPENSATION: $24.00-$37.00 per hour
SCHEDULE: Day Shift
BENEFITS
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- 457 Retirement Plan
- PPO Health Insurance Plan
- HDHP Health Insurance Plan w/ Health Savings Account
- Dental Insurance Plan
- Vision Insurance Plan
- Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
- Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance Plans
- Paid Time Off (Vacation/Sick/Illinois Paid Leave/Holiday)
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Professional Development Opportunities
WHAT FMH HAS TO OFFER
Fairfield Memorial Hospital is a mission focused healthcare organization dedicated to providing exceptional care to the patients and families we serve, with a strong commitment to improving the health and well‑being of our community through compassionate service, clinical excellence, and a supportive culture that empowers employees to do their best work. We value teamwork, professional growth, and a positive work environment where every team member plays a meaningful role in advancing our mission. FMH offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well‑being, and long‑term professional development, and we strive to ensure employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to make a meaningful impact for the communities of Southern Illinois. FMH is a drug‑free workplace, and all candidates must complete a pre‑employment drug screening in accordance with Illinois law. We proudly uphold Equal Opportunity Employment practices and welcome applicants of all backgrounds without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
Fairfield Memorial Hospital is a mission focused healthcare organization dedicated to providing exceptional care to the patients and families we serve, with a strong commitment to improving the health and well‑being of our community through compassionate service, clinical excellence, and a supportive culture that empowers employees to do their best work. We value teamwork, professional growth, and a positive work environment where every team member plays a meaningful role in advancing our mission. FMH offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well‑being, and long‑term professional development, and we strive to ensure employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to make a meaningful impact for the communities of Southern Illinois. FMH is a drug‑free workplace, and all candidates must complete a pre‑employment drug screening in accordance with Illinois law. We proudly uphold Equal Opportunity Employment practices and welcome applicants of all backgrounds without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
- Required: Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program; Illinois State Licensure as a COTA.
EXPERIENCE
- Preferred: Experience in a clinical or hospital therapy setting; familiarity with therapeutic modalities, documentation, and interdisciplinary care.
SKILLS
- Proficiency in therapeutic techniques including therapeutic exercise, functional training, and use of OT modalities
- Strong patient‑interaction and communication skills to motivate, educate, and support patients across all age groups
- Accurate clinical observation and documentation to track progress and report findings to the supervising Occupational Therapist
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and OT principles to support safe and effective treatment delivery
- Ability to safely operate and maintain therapy equipment including modalities and assistive devices
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills to manage caseloads, schedules, and departmental tasks
- Commitment to patient confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions and documentation
- Teamwork and collaboration abilities to work effectively with therapists, nursing staff, and interdisciplinary teams
- Problem‑solving and clinical reasoning skills for adapting activities and addressing patient needs safely
Salary : $24 - $37