What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) position at UPMC?
COTA
Altoona Hospital OT
1.0 full-time (40 hours/week)
Shifts: 7am-3:30pm; some Saturdays and holidays
Union position: AFSCME
Reposted: 11/4/2025
Join Our Occupational Therapy Team at UPMC Altoona!
UPMC Altoona is seeking a full-time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our dynamic and compassionate rehabilitation team. This position supports the delivery of high-quality Occupational Therapy care in collaboration with an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), working closely with patients, families, and a multidisciplinary care team.
As a COTA at UPMC Altoona, you’ll help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life through personalized treatment plans, education, and therapeutic interventions. Your work will make a meaningful difference every day.
What You’ll Do
- Assist the OTR/L in assessing and delivering Occupational Therapy services as ordered or referred by a physician
- Implement treatment plans that promote functional independence and recovery
- Educate patients and families on therapy goals and techniques
- Collaborate with nurses, physicians, and other allied health professionals to ensure holistic care
Why Choose UPMC?
UPMC is committed to supporting your career — professionally and personally — from day one. We offer a robust package of benefits and growth opportunities:
An incomparable benefit package (found to be 20% higher in value than other healthcare employers in our market!)
- Up to five and a half weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus seven paid holidays each year
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $6,000 per academic year at any accredited institution, available to employees and their dependents
- Professional development programs to help you grow in your career and expand your skills
Responsibilities:
- Implements appropriate OT treatment to referred patients according to established goals.
- Administers appropriate structured OT assessment to referred inpatients and outpatients.
- Responds to requests for OT services per physician's order and initiates referral when indicated.
- Assists in maintaining and completing appropriate OT/TR service related records and forms, including inventory, medical records, and billing.
- Participates in multidisciplinary conferences/treatment planning meetings to facilitate quality patient care and operations of PM&R Department.
- Provides information concerning patient's involvement in treatment upon his/her discharge from the hospital.
- In collaboration with OTR/L, interprets evaluation results and treatment plan to patients, physician, family, significant others, and treatment team.
- Assists OTR/L in the development of treatment plans, including short- and long-term measurable goals and methods to achieve identified goals.