Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Quick Facts

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
• Occupational Therapy Department (PM&RS)
• Full performance level OTA (GS-8)

Description

Provide occupational therapy treatment to promote function and support prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical, cognitive, and psychological dysfunction under the direction of an Occupational Therapist. Coordinate and mentor OT students/volunteers, assist with assessments and patient profiles, deliver specialized treatment programs, and educate patients and families on activities of daily living and assistive devices. Maintain OT area operations and contribute to multidisciplinary team communication through reports and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage Level I OT students, volunteers, and job shadows (scheduling, orientation, daily duties)
• Serve as a mentor to OT students, other COTAs, and therapists
• Receive and follow procedure requests/instructions from an Occupational Therapist or physician
• Complete preliminary review/examination of patient data and compile/present patient profiles
• Implement delegated assessments and report observations and patient performance
• Plan and implement specialized treatment programs and progressive OT treatment
• Assist in developing comprehensive specialized treatment plans and long-/short-term goals
• Provide patient education and training for activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs
• Use therapeutic modalities (heat, cold, sound) and administer self-care management and active/passive exercises
• Assess for, set up, and train patients on durable medical equipment and assistive devices
• Fit, adjust, and instruct patients on orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances
• Clean, prepare, and maintain OT equipment and supplies
• Prepare written/oral reports for healthcare providers and the care team
• Participate in family and multidisciplinary team meetings; represent OT department on committees/teams
• Maintain clinic safety, inventory, and day-to-day functions of OT areas; ensure supply levels

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selective Service registration (if applicable)
• Complete VA onboarding and required pre-employment steps; comply with VA testing requirements
• Seasonal influenza vaccination required
• Pass 1–2 year trial period; employment review may affect continuation
• Education: Associate degree (or higher) in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program OR ACOTE-accredited military OTA training
• Certification: Documented NBCOT entry-level certification exam pass
• Licensure: Full, current, unrestricted state OTA license (and maintain it)

Benefits

Comprehensive federal employee benefits package (eligibility depends on position type).