PRN Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Community Health Systems, Inc.; La Follette (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Systems, Inc. is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide rehabilitative services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. You will implement prescribed interventions and document patient progress to support continuity of care.

The role requires COTA licensure and BLS certification, with 0–1 year of healthcare experience preferred; teamwork and patient safety are essential in this setting.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year healthcare experience required.
• 1-2 years in inpatient/outpatient settings preferred.
• COTA license and BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Administers OT treatment programs as directed by a supervising therapist.
• Observes patient response and suggests plan modifications when needed.
• Documents treatments and progress in the medical record with co-signature as required.
• Maintains safe, clean treatment areas and equipment.

Skills

OT principles

Documentation

Team communication

Patient safety

Computer literacy

Education

COTA license

BLS certification

Tools

EMR software

Job description

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