Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

City of Lincoln; Hot Springs (SD); On-site; USD 80,231,000 - 100,289,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Fall River Health Services (FRHS) seeks a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to deliver quality therapy under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. You will implement treatment plans, document progress, and assist with patient-centered care across settings.

The ideal candidate supports independence and functional goals, maintaining professional standards, and ensuring safety and compliance. FRHS offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time staff.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Current state licensure or eligibility for licensure as required by applicable state law.

Responsibilities

• Assist with delivery of occupational therapy services under supervision of an OT.
• Implement treatment plans per established guidelines and regulations.
• Collaborate with the OT and care team to provide patient-centered therapy.
• Guide patients through therapeutic exercises and activities.
• Document therapy services accurately in EMR and for billing.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Documentation

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Accredited OTA program

COTA certification

State licensure eligibility

Tools

Epic

PointClickCare

Job description

• Location 1201 HWY 71 SOUTH,HOT SPRINGS, SD, 57747-8800,United States
• Employee Type Full-Time Non-Exempt

Contact information

• Phone [phone] ext. 2141
• Email [e-mail]

Description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works alongside a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide quality occupational therapy services across a variety of therapy settings and patient/resident populations. Under the direction and supervision of the Occupational Therapist, the COTA implements established treatment plans designed to help individuals improve functional abilities, increase independence, and overcome challenges related to illness, injury, disability, or other conditions affecting daily activities.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, collaborative, detail-oriented, and committed to providing exceptional care while supporting each patient/resident in achieving their highest level of independence and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the delivery of occupational therapy services under the direction and supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist.
• Implement occupational therapy treatment plans established by the Occupational Therapist in accordance with applicable professional standards, including American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) guidelines, state and federal laws, regulations, and applicable practice acts.
• Work collaboratively with the Occupational Therapist by offering suggestions, providing feedback, carrying out agreed-upon activities, and communicating concerns in a constructive and professional manner.
• Guide and encourage patients/residents through therapeutic exercises and activities, providing physical assistance when necessary.
• Monitor patients/residents during therapy activities and identify environmental needs, barriers, or safety concerns that may affect treatment or recovery.
• Make recommendations regarding appropriate accommodations or modifications to the Occupational Therapist and assist with implementing approved recommendations.
• Accurately document occupational therapy services in the patient's/resident's medical record.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with facility policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Prepare required documentation for billing, discharge planning, assessments, and other clinical purposes as directed by the Occupational Therapist or Rehabilitation Director.
• Provide information needed for the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI), as applicable, including functional abilities, functional status, range of motion, self-care activities, therapy minutes, and distinct calendar days during designated observation periods.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, business development activities, and customer service programs as required.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service when interacting with patients/residents, families, coworkers, providers, and other internal and external customers.
• Follow all facility policies and procedures, including those related to patient/resident safety, confidentiality, infection prevention, documentation, and quality of care.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Ability to identify patient/resident needs and recognize opportunities to promote health, wellness, and independence.
• Ability to gather, interpret, and communicate information related to a patient's/resident's condition and functional status.
• Demonstrates sound clinical judgment, logical thinking, and accurate therapy skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Ability to collaborate with patients/residents, families, caregivers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to adapt to changing patient/resident needs and support positive change within the therapy environment.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Commitment to compassionate, respectful, and person-centered care.
• Familiarity with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
• Experience with systems such as Epic and PointClickCare is preferred.
• Ability to accurately document and retrieve patient/resident information electronically.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Current state licensure or eligibility for licensure as required by applicable state law.
• Must maintain all required certifications, licenses, and credentials.
• Previous experience in a healthcare, rehabilitation, hospital, outpatient, or long-term care setting is preferred.
• Strong commitment to patient/resident-centered care and professional standards.

Summary

Fall River Health Services (FRHS) is a comprehensive, non-profit healthcare system dedicated to delivering patient-focused care to Hot Springs, South Dakota, and the surrounding areas. As one of the largest employers in Fall River County, our independent network includes a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, a 24-hour emergency room, the Seven Sisters Living Center nursing home, and the Fall River Rural Health Clinic. Our team of professional caregivers is deeply committed to supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our patients and families while keeping "Our Community at Heart".

The average compensation for this position is $28.00-$35.00 depending on your qualifications and experience.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees. Compensation is based upon your experience and qualifications. Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefit package including medical vision, dental, and much more!

Fall River Health Services (FRHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. FRHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, FRHS will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you need reasonable accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department at 605.745.8910.