Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Psychiatric Services

University of Maryland Medical System; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 37,801 - 52,913; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Maryland is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support psychiatric patients. This role involves delivering therapy services, recording patient data, and collaborating with a healthcare team. Candidates must have an associate's degree, be licensed in Maryland, and hold a current BLS certification. Opportunities for professional growth are provided through mentorship and training programs.

Qualifications

• Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant in the state of Maryland is required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver limited occupational therapy services under supervision.
• Carry out treatment plans based on patient needs.
• Record patient data accurately in medical records.
• Inform team and families about patient progress.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Problem-solving

Education

Associate’s degree

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Psychiatric Services

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Company Description

FT day shift COTA role to support our Psychiatric Patients!

The University of Maryland Medical System is a 14-hospital system with academic, community and specialty medical services reaching every part of Maryland and beyond. UMMS is a national and regional referral center for trauma, cancer care, Neurocare, cardiac care, women’s and children’s health and physical rehabilitation. UMMS is the fourth largest private employer in the Baltimore metropolitan area and one of the top 20 employers in the state of Maryland. No organization will give you the clinical variety, the support, or the opportunities for professional growth that you’ll enjoy as a member of our team.

Job Description

Job Summary

Delivers limited psychiatric occupational therapy services under the periodic supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. Carries out treatment plans according to the principles and practices of occupational therapy.

Our Psychiatric Occupational Therapy team is focused on delivering the best care possible to every patient and to supporting each other. When you join our team you will:

• Work as a part of a high performing team of dedicated Psychiatric Occupational Therapists providing patient centered care, anchored in the Recovery Model, across three Inpatient Psychiatric units and the entire hospital in the Consultative Liaison service line.
• Grow your career and professional skillset through our robust mentorship program, wide variety of training opportunities, and pursuit of program expansion.
• Advance your career through our established Psychiatric Occupational Therapy specific Professional Advancement Model.

Primary Responsibilities

• Performs limited occupational therapy services to patients in accordance with generally accepted standards, Maryland Department of Health Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, code of ethics, and departmental and/or organizational policies and procedures.
• Carries out treatment plan programs for clients/patients to promote health, well-being, and the patient’s ability to participate in the important activities in their life.
• Records patient data for re-evaluations and care provided in the medical record in accordance with departmental documentation standards.
• Informs patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members of progress and plan for treatment and refers for further evaluation.
• Provides therapy education and counseling to individuals.
• Provides mentorship and training to clinical team members and/or students as eligible based on departmental needs.
• Participates in performance improvement activities and suggests areas for improvement to colleagues in a tactful and considerate manner. Proposes performance improvement topics and alternate treatment techniques to improve therapy services.
• Reports clinical and operational issues to departmental leadership and assists in their resolution to assure high quality care and efficient departmental operations.
• Demonstrates interdisciplinary, safe, patient-centered care and delivers excellent customer service.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience - Required

• Education: Associate’s degree.
• Experience: None.

Licensure/Certifications

• Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant in the state of Maryland.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to access, review, and integrate information from a variety of sources to develop a treatment plan.
• Strong verbal, written, and non-verbal communication skills, including the ability to instruct others.
• Interpersonal skills to enable the therapist to establish and maintain rapport with patient as part of the therapeutic relationship.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse healthcare team.
• Ability to manage time and set priorities according to the demands of the job.
• Ability to conceptualize and problem-solve in the management of the patient.
• Ability to break down functional tasks to achieve patient centered goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and patients.
• Ability and willingness to adapt hours of availability to variable and changing needs of the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with patients and team members.
• Ability to effectively use various pieces of medical and therapeutic equipment.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation

Pay Range: $27.44-$38.41

Other Compensation (if applicable): Review the 2025-2026 UMMS Benefits Guide.

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