The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the direction of an occupational therapist to organize and carry out occupational therapy programs in the hospital for inpatients or outpatients, to facilitate the rehabilitation of the mentally or physically handicapped. The staff COTA provides direct patient focused care to include the implementation of treatment plans designed by the OTR and quality treatment to meet short and long term goals determined by the OTR according to the patient’s needs. All COTA’s are required to have competency for adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups. Staff who will work with children or infants less than 13 years will require specific training and competencies demonstrated prior to working with pediatrics .The staff COTA also assists the director of the department in the supervision of support staff, quality assurance and improvement activities and the overall operation of the occupational therapy department. The COTA is required to perform the professional duties and standards of care as specified by the American Occupational Therapy Association, state and federal laws and regulations, and TJC standards. Other duties as assigned.

Education: Associates degree from accredited OT assistant program required. Active TN COTA License required.

Experience: Preferred but not required.