Certified Occupational Therapiy Assistant (COTA)

Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center is a hospital dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare to the Hope, Arkansas community and surrounding areas. We offer a full range of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic services, as well as a 24-hour emergency department, an inpatient geriatric behavioral health unit, physical therapy, inpatient pharmacy services, and a Rural Health Clinic.

Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center is in search of an experienced Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. The ideal Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will provide rehabilitative services to patients under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). The COTA assists in implementing treatment plans to help patients restore function, improve mobility, and achieve independence in activities of daily living. This role supports the mission of the Critical Access Hospital by delivering patient-centered care to individuals across the lifespan in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer occupational therapy treatments as outlined in the plan of care developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Assist patients in performing therapeutic exercises and activities to improve strength, coordination, motor skills, and functional independence.
• Educate patients and caregivers on techniques to promote safety, independence, and carryover of therapy activities at home.
• Document patient progress, treatment provided, and response to therapy in the electronic medical record in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the OT and interdisciplinary healthcare team to ensure effective patient care planning and discharge recommendations.
• Assist with patient evaluations by gathering data, conducting portions of standardized assessments, and reporting observations to the OT.
• Maintain a safe and organized treatment environment, including proper care of equipment and supplies.
• Participate in hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives and adhere to compliance and safety standards.
• Provide services in inpatient, outpatient, swing bed, and long-term care settings as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising OT or Rehabilitation Director.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program required.
• Current certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Active state license as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in Arkansas (or ability to obtain).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Experience:

• Previous clinical experience in a hospital or rehabilitation setting preferred.
• New graduates will be considered with appropriate clinical training.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of occupational therapy treatment methods and techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare staff.
• Ability to follow directions, demonstrate initiative, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Competent in use of electronic medical records and documentation standards.
• Compassionate and patient-focused approach to care.