Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

SportsMed Physical Therapy; Union City (NJ); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Life and Disability Insurance

401(k) with Match

Paid Vacation Time

Paid Sick Days

Paid Holidays

$1,000 CEU Reimbursement per year

Growth and Professional Development

Rain Program for Paycheck Advances

Pay Range: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour

Job summary

SportsMed Physical Therapy in New Jersey is seeking a motivated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our growing team. The role focuses on functional rehabilitation and helping patients regain independence, with opportunities to work on hand therapy as needed.

You will collaborate with OTs, chiropractors, and other clinicians to deliver comprehensive patient care, educate patients, and document progress.

Qualifications

• New Jersey COTA license required.
• Graduation from an accredited OTA program.
• Strong interest in functional rehabilitation and helping patients regain independence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide OT treatments under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
• Implement individualized treatment programs to improve functional abilities and independence.
• Help patients with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Incorporate therapeutic exercises addressing strength, mobility, balance, and endurance.
• Assist patients recovering from orthopedic injuries, surgeries, neurological conditions, and other limitations.
• Provide hand/upper-extremity rehab as appropriate.
• Monitor progress and communicate observations to the supervising OT.
• Educate patients on exercises and home programs.
• Maintain accurate documentation of treatments and progress.
• Communicate with patients, supervising OTs, and other team members.

Skills

Communication

Patient care

Team collaboration

Documentation

Motivation

Interpersonal skills

Education

New Jersey license (COTA)

Accredited OTA program

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

SportsMed Physical Therapy is one of the fastest-growing multidisciplinary rehabilitation practices in New Jersey. Our services include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Occupational Hand Therapy, Chiropractic, and Acupuncture. We treat a diverse patient population, including athletes, weekend warriors, post-surgical patients, older adults, desk workers, and individuals recovering from a wide range of orthopedic, neurological, and functional conditions.

We are looking for a motivated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our growing team. This position will primarily focus on functional rehabilitation, helping patients improve their ability to perform everyday activities, regain independence, and return to the activities that are important to them. There may also be opportunities to work with patients receiving upper-extremity and hand therapy.

This is a great opportunity for a COTA who enjoys working directly with patients, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and making a meaningful impact on patients' recovery.

What Sets Us Apart

• Individualized Mentorship: One-on-one guidance and support to help you build confidence, strengthen your clinical skills, and continue developing as a clinician.
• Team Collaboration: Work alongside Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, and other members of our multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive patient care.
• In-House CEU Opportunities: Participate in ongoing educational sessions, clinical workshops, and professional development opportunities.
• Career Growth: Opportunities to expand your clinical knowledge, develop specialized skills, and grow within a rapidly expanding organization.
• Great Place to Work Certified: SportsMed Physical Therapy is Great Place to Work Certified again in 2026!

What You'll Do

• Provide occupational therapy treatments under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
• Implement individualized treatment programs designed to improve patients' functional abilities and independence.
• Help patients improve their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), including dressing, bathing, grooming, and other everyday tasks.
• Incorporate therapeutic exercises and activities to address limitations in strength, mobility, coordination, balance, and endurance.
• Assist patients recovering from orthopedic injuries, surgeries, neurological conditions, and other functional limitations.
• Provide therapeutic interventions focused on improving upper-extremity function, including hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder rehabilitation, as appropriate.
• Monitor patient performance and progress throughout treatment and communicate observations to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Educate patients on prescribed exercises, home programs, and strategies to support their continued progress.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of treatments and patient progress.
• Communicate effectively with patients, supervising Occupational Therapists, referring providers, and other members of the SportsMed team.

What We're Looking For

• New Jersey Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) License.
• New graduates and experienced Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants are welcome to apply.
• Graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Strong interest in functional rehabilitation and helping patients regain independence in their daily activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients.
• Strong clinical observation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to motivate patients and encourage participation throughout the rehabilitation process.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Occupational Therapists and other members of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Computer literacy and ability to complete electronic documentation.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to continued professional development.

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with Match
• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Sick Days
• Paid Holidays
• $1,000 CEU Reimbursement per year
• Excellent Growth and Professional Development Opportunities
• Rain Program for Paycheck Advances
• Pay Range: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour

$30 - $36 an hour