Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Fall River Health Services | Hot Springs, South Dakota

Pay Range: $28.00–$35.00 per hour, depending on experience

Help Others Build Skills, Regain Independence, and Improve Their Quality of Life!

Fall River Health Services (FRHS) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our rehabilitation team in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Working under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), the COTA helps patients and residents improve their functional abilities, develop daily living skills, and overcome challenges related to illness, injury, disability, or other conditions affecting independence.

The ideal candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, and passionate about helping individuals achieve their personal goals while providing safe, respectful, and high-quality care across a variety of therapy settings.

Position Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant supports the delivery of occupational therapy services by implementing treatment plans established by the Occupational Therapist. This position works with patients and residents to improve daily functioning, promote independence, and enhance overall quality of life while following applicable professional standards, regulations, and facility policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Occupational Therapy Services: Implement treatment plans established by the Occupational Therapist under appropriate direction and supervision.

• Support Treatment Planning: Collaborate with the Occupational Therapist by sharing observations, providing feedback, offering suggestions, and communicating patient or resident concerns.

• Guide Therapeutic Activities: Assist patients and residents with therapeutic exercises and functional activities, providing physical assistance as needed to support progress toward established goals.

• Promote Safety and Independence: Monitor individuals during therapy sessions, identify environmental barriers or safety concerns, and communicate recommendations for appropriate accommodations or modifications to the Occupational Therapist.

• Maintain Accurate Documentation: Document occupational therapy services thoroughly and promptly in the medical record, following facility policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Support Clinical and Billing Requirements: Prepare documentation related to billing, discharge planning, assessments, and other clinical needs as directed by the Occupational Therapist or Rehabilitation Director.

• Assist with Resident Assessments: Provide information for the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI), as applicable, including functional abilities, range of motion, self-care activities, therapy minutes, and designated observation-period information.

• Collaborate with the Healthcare Team: Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and other activities that support coordinated care and positive patient outcomes.

• Deliver Excellent Customer Service: Maintain professional, respectful relationships with patients, residents, families, caregivers, coworkers, providers, and other internal and external customers.

• Follow Policies and Standards: Comply with facility policies and procedures related to patient and resident safety, confidentiality, infection prevention, documentation, and quality of care.

• Maintain Professional Competency: Follow applicable American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) guidance, state and federal laws, regulations, and professional practice requirements.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Ability to recognize patient and resident needs and identify opportunities to promote wellness, functional ability, and independence.

• Ability to gather, interpret, and communicate information about functional status and treatment progress.

• Demonstrates sound judgment, attention to detail, and appropriate therapy skills.

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

• Ability to collaborate with patients, residents, families, caregivers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.

• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing patient needs and department priorities.

• Strong organizational skills and commitment to accurate documentation.

• Dedication to compassionate, respectful, person-centered care.

Technology Skills

• Familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR) systems.

• Experience with Epic and PointClickCare preferred.

• Ability to accurately enter, retrieve, and maintain patient and resident information electronically.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, dependable, and team-oriented COTA who enjoys helping patients and residents build skills, overcome challenges, and achieve greater independence. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to high-quality rehabilitation services are essential.

Join Our Team!

At Fall River Health Services, we believe meaningful rehabilitation helps people live fuller, more independent lives. Join a team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the patients, residents, and families we serve.

Fall River Health Services - Our Community at Heart.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Current state licensure or eligibility for licensure as required by applicable state law.
• Must maintain all required certifications, licenses, and credentials.
• Previous experience in a healthcare, rehabilitation, hospital, outpatient, or long-term care setting is preferred.
• Strong commitment to patient/resident-centered care and professional standards.