Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Northwest Health; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health coverage

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

Northwest Health is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support rehabilitation services for children and adults under a licensed Occupational Therapist. You will implement prescribed interventions, track progress, and contribute to care continuity in line with personalized plans and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities include administering treatment programs, observing responses, documenting outcomes, and communicating with the rehab team.

Qualifications

• Must have knowledge of occupational therapy principles, techniques and devices.
• Ability to follow treatment plans, observe patient performance and document data.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding of patient safety, infection control and age-appropriate care.
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and electronic documentation.

Responsibilities

• Administer OT treatment programs per plan and supervision.
• Observe patient response and recommend plan modifications.
• Conduct group or individual activity-based therapy sessions.
• Document treatments and patient progress in medical records with supervisor co-signature as required.
• Maintain communication with rehab team, nursing staff and other providers for coordinated care.
• Ensure treatment areas and equipment are clean, safe, and properly maintained.
• Demonstrate understanding of precautions and age-specific needs.
• Attend interdisciplinary meetings and contribute to care discussions.

Skills

Occupational therapy principles

Treatment plan execution

Communication skills

Patient safety

Computer documentation

Education

COTA license (state of employment)

BLS certification

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Type: Full Time

Benefits

• $10,000 Relocation
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Future Security: 401(k) with matching
• Educational Tuition Assistance
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance

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