Occupational Therapist Assistant

Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Department: Therapy

Reports To: Occupational Therapist

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Purpose

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide rehabilitative services to residents. The COTA assists in helping residents develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills, promoting independence, safety, and quality of life within a skilled nursing facility setting.

Responsibilities

Resident Care & Treatment

• Implement and carry out occupational therapy treatment plans established by the OT.
• Instruct residents in the use of adaptive equipment and techniques to increase independence.
• Assist residents in improving fine motor skills, coordination, self-care, and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• Observe, report, and document resident progress and responses to treatment.

Documentation & Compliance

• Accurately document treatments, progress notes, and billing information in accordance with facility and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate with the OT and interdisciplinary team regarding resident status and goals.
• Maintain documentation in compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and other payer guidelines.

Collaboration & Communication

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and care planning sessions.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers on therapeutic techniques and safety practices.
• Communicate resident needs and progress to therapy team, nursing staff, and family as appropriate.

Safety & Infection Control

• Follow all infection prevention and safety protocols.
• Ensure therapy equipment is maintained, sanitized, and stored properly.
• Report any changes in resident condition, incidents, or concerns promptly.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current state licensure or certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Experience in skilled nursing or rehabilitation settings preferred.
• Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payer documentation requirements.
• Strong understanding of OT techniques and rehabilitation principles.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with residents, families, and care teams.
• Ability to follow treatment plans accurately and provide individualized care.
• Competence in documenting care according to regulatory and facility standards.
• Commitment to resident-centered care and safety.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Facility-based work in skilled nursing or post-acute care settings.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and assisting residents during therapy sessions.
• Ability to manage multiple residents and prioritize tasks in a clinical environment.
• Exposure to resident care-related environmental conditions, including infection control protocols.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds at a time.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Direct patient-facing work in resident rooms, therapy gyms, and common areas
• Frequent interaction with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff in a collaborative care setting
• Occasional exposure to bodily fluids or medical materials while assisting patients
• Work may involve standing, walking, bending, lifting, or guiding patients during therapy sessions
• Environment requires adherence to safety, infection control, and proper use of therapy equipment

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.