Occupational Therapy Asst

MERIT HEALTH WESLEY; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) with employer matching

Student loan support

Competitive pay & full benefits

Job summary

Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, MS is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide rehabilitative services under supervision of an Occupational Therapist. You will help patients achieve daily living and mobility goals and support treatment planning.

Responsibilities include administering therapy programs, observing progress, documenting in the medical record, and collaborating with the rehab team.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Administer OT treatment programs across diverse patient populations as directed by the supervising OT.
• Observe patient response to treatment and report changes to the supervising therapist.
• Document treatments provided and ensure co-signature of progress notes as required.
• Maintain clean, safe treatment areas and report any equipment issues promptly.
• Attend interdisciplinary team meetings and support care coordination.

Skills

OT principles

Observation & reporting

Team collaboration

Infection control

EHR proficiency

Education

COTA license

BLS certification

Tools

Therapy documentation software

Electronic health records

Job description

• 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 Assistant

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