Occupational Therapist (OT) or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Advanced Health Care of Salem; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Part time

Job summary

Advanced Health Care of Salem is seeking an Occupational Therapist Registered/Occupational Therapy Assistant to assess, plan, and implement rehabilitative programs in a skilled nursing facility. You will collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other therapists to provide comprehensive, resident-centered care.

Responsibilities include assessments, individualized treatment plans, ADL training, and documentation of progress and discharge plans.

Qualifications

• Active OT or COTA licensure in Virginia or eligibility
• Clinical experience in a skilled nursing facility is preferred but not required
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with residents and families
• Commitment to resident-centered care and ethical standards

Responsibilities

• Assess residents’ physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning.
• Develop and implement individualized OT treatment plans.
• Provide ADL training, therapeutic exercises, and adaptive equipment training.
• Document progress and discharge plans per facility policies.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other therapists to coordinate care.
• Educate residents and families on home exercise programs and safety measures.
• Maintain licensure and stay current with best practices.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Team collaboration

Patient rapport

Assessment planning

Education

OT license or eligible

Job description

Description

As an Occupational Therapist Registered/Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will be responsible for assessing, planning and implementing rehabilitative programs to help our residents regain independence in activities of daily living. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care and support to residents in our skilled nursing facility.

Schedule:

PRN, Weekdays, Weekends, 7AM - 4PM

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Conduct assessments to evaluate residents’ physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings, resident goals, and physician recommendations.
• Provide occupational therapy interventions aimed at improving residents’ functional abilities, including but not limited to: activities of daily living (ADL) training, therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment training, and environmental modifications.
• Document resident progress, treatment interventions, and discharge plans in accordance with facility policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists, to ensure coordinated care.
• Educate residents and their families on therapeutic techniques, safety measures, and home exercise programs.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to resident care planning and goal setting.
• Stay current with best practices, evidence-based interventions, and regulatory changes in the field of occupational therapy.
• Maintain professional licensure and adhere to ethical standards set forth by relevant professional organizations.
• Contribute to a positive and supportive work environment by demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication skills.
• Perform all other duties assigned.

Requirements

Job Qualifications:

• Current state licensure or eligibility for licensure as an Occupational Therapist (OT) or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Clinical experience in a skilled nursing facility or similar healthcare setting is desired but not required.
• Ability to build rapport with residents through a compassionate and caring demeanor.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with residents, families, and team members.
• Commitment to providing high-quality, resident-centered care with empathy and compassion.
• Strong clinical skills in assessment, treatment planning and intervention implementation.

Physical Requirements:

• Work performed in a medical setting due to the need to work directly with patients and/or residents.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, reach, talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, stretch, twist, use hands and fingers, handle or operate objects, equipment, or controls and move about facilities.
• Required vision includes close, vision, distance, peripheral, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Capability to assist residents with mobility tasks, including transferring them from beds to wheelchairs, assisting with standing or walking, and positioning them for therapy activities.
  • May need to lift or maneuver equipment such as therapy mats, adaptive devices or weights.
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness as set forth within the work schedule designated by the department supervisor/manager.
• The job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
• Capacity to stand for extended periods during therapy sessions and walk or move around the facility to access residents’ rooms and therapy spaces.
• The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
• Stamina to work full shifts and perform repetitive tasks throughout the day, including providing therapy to multiple residents and documenting training sessions.