Occupational Therapist

Areté Health PT; Stafford (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A patient-centric therapy provider in Virginia is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in Hand Therapy. This role involves working under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to deliver rehabilitation for upper-extremity injuries. Key responsibilities include implementing treatment plans, guiding therapeutic exercises, and educating patients on care options. Ideal candidates should possess strong manual dexterity, relevant licensure, and experience in hand therapy. Join a supportive environment that values care and innovation.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of upper-extremity anatomy and biomechanics.
• Experience in hand therapy or orthopedic settings preferred.
• Ability to follow detailed treatment protocols.

Responsibilities

• Implement treatment plans for hand therapy.
• Guide patients through therapeutic exercises.
• Educate patients on home exercise programs.

Skills

Strong manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Patient education skills

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program

NBCOT certification

Current state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job description

Job Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in Hand Therapy works under the direct supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist and/or Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) to provide specialized rehabilitation for patients with upper-extremity injuries and conditions. The COTA assists in implementing treatment plans focused on restoring hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder function to improve independence in daily and work-related activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Implement hand therapy treatment plans developed by the Occupational Therapist/CHT.
• Guide patients through therapeutic exercises to improve range of motion, strength, dexterity, coordination, and functional use of the upper extremity.
• Assist with wound care, edema control, scar management, and desensitization techniques as directed.
• Fabricate, modify, and adjust custom and prefabricated orthoses/splints under OT supervision.
• Apply therapeutic modalities (e.g., heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation) per protocol and state regulations.
• Educate patients on home exercise programs, splint wear and care, joint protection, and ergonomics.
• Monitor patient progress and report changes, and concerns to the supervising OT.
• Accurately document treatments, patient response, and progress in compliance with clinical and regulatory standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized treatment area and ensure proper care of therapy equipment.
• Collaborate with physicians, therapists, and interdisciplinary team members to support patient recovery.

Common Diagnoses Treated

• Post-surgical hand and upper-extremity conditions.
• Tendon, nerve, and ligament injuries.
• Fractures and dislocations.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries.
• Arthritis and degenerative joint conditions.
• Sports- and work-related upper-extremity injuries.

Requirements

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• NBCOT certification.
• Hand therapy or orthopedic clinical experience preferred.
• Knowledge of upper-extremity anatomy and biomechanics.
• Splint fabrication and modification skills.
• Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Excellent patient education and communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed treatment protocols and discuss patient care options with the supervising OT.
• Compassionate, professional, and team-oriented approach.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent use of hands for splinting, manual techniques, and therapeutic activities.
• Ability to assist patients with positioning and functional tasks.
• Prolonged standing and repetitive fine motor tasks.
• Ability to demonstrate therapeutic exercises and techniques.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Why Join Us?

Arete Health is a growing, patient-centric outpatient physical and occupational therapy provider focused on excellence in clinical outcomes, team culture, and operational performance. We empower our therapists and support teams to thrive in an environment that values care, integrity, and innovation. At Arete Health, we believe that leadership is about people first. You’ll play a key role in scaling a mission-driven organization that puts patients and providers at the center of everything we do.

Arete Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.