Occ Therapy Asst Cert

Merit Health Wesley; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, MS is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our rehab team. You will provide rehabilitative services under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, helping patients achieve functional goals in activities of daily living and mobility.

Responsibilities include implementing treatment plans, documenting patient progress in the EHR, collaborating with therapists and nursing staff, and ensuring safe, clean treatment spaces.

Qualifications

• 0-1 years of healthcare experience required
• 1-2 years of clinical experience in inpatient/outpatient settings preferred
• COTA certification required in state of employment
• BLS certification required

Responsibilities

• Administers occupational therapy treatment programs under supervision
• Observes patient response and reports changes to the supervising therapist
• Conducts therapy sessions to support or maintain function
• Documents treatments and patient progress in the medical record
• Maintains safety and cleanliness of treatment areas and equipment

Skills

Occupational Therapy

Documentation

Communication

Teamwork

Education

COTA Certification

BLS Certification

Tools

EHR Systems

Therapy Documentation Software

Job description

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Future Security – 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Student Loan Support – Up to $10,000 repayment assistance, because we invest in your future.
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Future Security – 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Student Loan Support – Up to $10,000 repayment assistance, because we invest in your future.
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.

Role:

Certified Occupational Therapy Asst

Location:

Merit Health Wesley

Schedule:

Full-Time Days

Job Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides rehabilitative services for children and adults under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR), assisting patients in achieving functional goals related to daily living and mobility. This role supports treatment planning by implementing prescribed therapeutic interventions, observing and reporting patient progress, and contributing to the continuity of care in alignment with individualized care plans and regulatory standards.

Essential Functions

• Administers occupational therapy treatment programs across diverse patient populations as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist, in accordance with individualized patient care plans and established standards.
• Observes patient response to treatment, reports changes in condition, and makes recommendations to the supervising therapist for potential treatment plan modifications.
• Conducts group or individual activity-based therapy sessions designed to support or maintain function, within the defined scope of practice for COTAs.
• Documents treatments provided, patient response, and relevant observations in the medical record; ensures co-signature of progress notes by supervising Occupational Therapist as required.
• Maintains effective communication with supervising therapists, rehabilitation team members, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers to support coordinated care.
• Ensures treatment areas and equipment are maintained in a clean, organized, and safe manner; reports any safety concerns or equipment issues promptly.
• Demonstrates understanding of therapeutic precautions, contraindications, and age-specific needs when administering care.
• Attends interdisciplinary team meetings, contributes to patient care discussions, and supports performance improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrates proficiency in required technical and documentation systems, including electronic health records and therapy documentation software.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-1 years of experience in healthcare with adults, geriatrics, or individuals with physical disabilities required
• 1-2 years of clinical experience in an inpatient, outpatient, or skilled nursing setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, techniques, and assistive devices.
• Ability to follow treatment plans, observe patient performance, and document clinical data accurately.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Understanding of patient safety, infection control practices, and age-appropriate care.
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and electronic documentation platforms.

Licenses and Certifications

• COTA - Occupational Therapy Assistant – Certified license in state of employment required
• BLS - Basic Life Support required