Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) will support occupational therapists in the planning and implementation of therapy programs for patients across various settings. Responsibilities include administering therapeutic exercises, activities, and other interventions, modalities and strategies to improve patients’ functional abilities and quality of life. The role requires maintaining accurate documentation, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, ensuring patient safety and comfort, and demonstrating consistent attendance and reliability. The COTA will also stay current with evidence-based practices and adhere to institutional policies, guidelines, and protocols to provide the highest standard of care.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Cost Center

CC004805 ORBG - Occup Therapy

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-25

Scheduled Weekly Hours

36

Work Shift

Job Description

Patient-Centered Care

• Implement treatment plans as directed by the supervising occupational therapist, administering therapeutic exercises, activities, and interventions. Adapt and progress within scope of practice limitations and communicate findings to supervising occupational therapists (or other team members) as applicable based on best practices. May provide mobility support and screenings if indicated and appropriate.
• Monitor and document patients' progress, communicating status changes to the supervising occupational therapist.
• Adjust treatments based on patients' responses and feedback from the occupational therapist.
  
  

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic patient care.
• May participate in care conferences to discuss patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Effectively communicate with patients, their families, team members, and other partners and stakeholders to foster a collaborative and patient-centered approach to care.
  
  

Documentation

• Perform point-of-service documentation where possible. Ultimately, ensure accurate and timely recording of patient progress, treatment interventions, and charges (or comparable information as applicable).
• Maintain patient records in compliance with legal and institutional requirements.
  
  

Professional Development and Adherence to Standards

• Engage in continuous learning and professional development to maintain licensure and provide high-quality care.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in occupational therapy.
• Follow all institutional policies, guidelines, and protocols related to patient care and safety.
• Maintain compliance with ethical and professional standards in occupational therapy.
  
  

Customer Experience

• Actively promote an excellent experience for all patients, families, team members, and other partners and stakeholders.
  
  

Productivity Standards

• Maintain productivity standards as delineated in departmental key performance indicators (KPIs).
  
  

Safety

• Ensure patient safety during therapy sessions, adhering to infection control protocols, and maintaining or supporting a safe environment of care.
  
  

Equipment and Assistive Devices

• Instruct patients in the proper use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices to promote independence.
  
  

Patient Education

• Educate patients and their families on techniques, exercises, and strategies to support treatment goals outside therapy sessions.
  
  

Attendance and Reliability

• Demonstrate consistent attendance and reliability to ensure continuous patient care and departmental efficiency.
  
  

Additional Duties

• Perform additional duties as outlined by the manager or director.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Implement treatment plans and administer therapeutic exercises, activities, and interventions.
• Monitor and document patients' progress, communicating status changes to the supervising occupational therapist.
• Adjust treatments based on patients' responses and feedback from the occupational therapist.
• Instruct patients in the proper use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices.
• Educate patients and their families on techniques, exercises, and strategies to support treatment goals.
• Maintain occupational therapy equipment and inventory of departmental supplies.
• Provide appropriate and timely documentation and updates for all parties involved (including but not limited to physicians, APPs, therapy team members, patient access team members, fitness team members, sports medicine team members, other care team members, patients, families, supervisors, etc.) and support a safe and secure environment of care.
  
  

Qualifications

Additional Job Description

• Valid certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• State licensure in South Carolina required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Compassion, patience, and empathy when working with patients.
• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques.
• Understanding of relevant laws and regulations governing occupational therapy.
  
  

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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