OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT- FT

Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Job Description

I. Purpose and Overall Duties

Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) assists the Occupational Therapist in providing occupational therapy services in a long-term care or related setting. The role supports patient rehabilitation by implementing treatment plans to improve mobility, strength, balance, and functional independence.

II. Essential Job Functions

A. Patient Care

• Carry out treatment plans established by the Occupational Therapist for individual or group therapy
• Assist patients in improving mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and endurance
• Provide gait training, transfer training, and therapeutic exercise programs
• Assist patients with the use of assistive devices such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs
• Educate patients and caregivers on prescribed exercises and safety techniques

B. Documentation / Logistics / Patient Satisfaction

• Complete all required clinical documentation accurately and timely in accordance with Medicare, regulatory, and company guidelines
• Utilize electronic documentation systems effectively
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of therapy equipment and treatment areas
• Support accurate recordkeeping and reporting
• Contribute to patient satisfaction and quality outcomes while meeting established productivity standards

C. Collaboration / Supervision

• Communicate patient progress and observations to the supervising Occupational Therapist
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members regarding patient care plans
• Participate in team meetings as required

D. Professional Development

• Maintain compliance with state licensure and regulatory requirements
• Participate in continuing education and training
• Support evidence-based practice in the clinical setting

III. General Skills Required

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Effective communication (verbal and written)
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Time management and organizational skills
• Active listening and adaptability
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

IV. Minimum Experience, Education, and Licensure

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant program
• Current state licensure as a Occupational Therapist Assistant
• One (1) year of experience preferred

V. Essential Physical Demands

• Ability to assist patients with mobility, transfers, and ambulation using appropriate techniques and assistive devices
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the workday
• Frequent physical interaction with patients, including supporting or guiding movement during therapy
• Occasional bending, reaching, or positioning of patients during treatment
• Ability to use proper body mechanics in accordance with safety standards

VI. Work Environment

• Long-term care or clinical setting
• Ability to travel to various locations where patients are located, including long-term care, short-term care, and private homes. This work will involve ability to enter and access buildings, work with patient in their existing space. Varying environmental conditions may be encountered while traveling.
• Indoor environment with occasional travel between patient areas or facilities as needed

VII. Additional Information

The items listed above cover the essential duties and requirements of this position. This job description shall not be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties that may be required as part of this job. This job description and job conditions are subject to change as needed in accordance with company or client requirements.

VIII. Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Employees are expected to be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. If an employee believes a reasonable accommodation is needed, they should contact Human Resources so that a review can be conducted. The company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

IX. Acknowledgment

X. Reminder

This job description describes the expected outcomes of the position. The actions and activities required to achieve these outcomes are evaluated through performance management processes. The attitudes and actions performed by all employees are the foundation of our business.

• An Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program is required.
• A current state license to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is required and must be maintained.
• Previous experience in occupational therapy or rehabilitation is preferred.