COTA - Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) – Full-Time
Elderwood at Amherst

Looking to make a real impact every day? Join the team at Elderwood at Amherst as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and help our residents regain independence, confidence, and quality of life.

Position Overview:
As a COTA, you’ll play a hands-on role in delivering meaningful care. Working under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist, you’ll provide skilled therapy treatments designed to help residents improve their ability to perform daily activities and live as independently as possible. Your work will directly contribute to each resident’s progress, comfort, and overall well-being.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide skilled occupational therapy treatments as developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist
• Support residents in improving daily living skills, mobility, strength, and coordination
• Build strong, positive relationships with residents while motivating and encouraging progress
• Observe and report resident performance and progress to the Occupational Therapist
• Assist with modifying treatment plans based on resident needs
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with facility standards
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcomes
• Help create a supportive, safe, and engaging therapy environment

What We’re Looking For:

• Current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) certification (New York State required)
• A compassionate, patient-focused approach to care
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A positive attitude and a passion for helping others succeed

Why Join Elderwood at Amherst?

• Be part of a supportive, team-oriented environment
• Make a meaningful difference in residents’ daily lives
• Work in a setting that values quality care and clinical excellence
• Consistent full-time schedule with opportunities to grow

If you’re someone who brings energy, empathy, and dedication to everything you do, we’d love to have you on our team.

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant:

• Assists the Director Occupational Therapy in planning, developing and carrying out treatment programs and procedures for individuals.
• Helps create group therapy programs which are mentally and physically stimulating to individuals; prepares and presents individual and group projects appropriate for the confused, blind, deaf and physically handicapped person.
• Writes observations of individual's behavior and progress in Progress Notes.
• Maintains attendance records and other departmental reports; enters treatment record in Medical Record Chart.
• Assists Director Occupational Therapy in the training and supervision of Occupational Therapy Aides and students assigned to the facility for clinical experience.
• Attends Care Planning and Family Care Plan review meetings.
• Assists with departmental in-service programs upon request.
• Completes MDS+ assessment form as required.
• Inventories supplies; assists with keeping area in good order and daily sanitation of equipment.
• Attends in-service training programs, and departmental meetings as required.
• Generate and develop ideas, which improve the quality of care for individuals or increase job productivity and satisfaction.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Director Occupational Therapy.
• Performs all job duties according to safety rules and practices required for this job position, and as required to ensure the general safety of staff, residents and visitors of this facility.
• Performs assigned duties according to the service excellence standards and goals established for this job position, and for all staff members of this facility.

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant:

• State Department of Education Certification and license to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) required.
• Ability to relate well to individuals and enjoy working within the community.
• Tact and diplomacy; ability to develop good relationships with individuals, staff and students required.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others and create a warm and accepting climate.
• Qualities of maturity, diplomacy, ability to work well with others required.
• Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to supervise departmental staff effectively and ensure that high standards of care are maintained.
• Ability to perform tasks to established standards of excellence required.
• Demonstrated willingness to uphold the vision and mission of the company by following the core values of Integrity, Teamwork, and Passion for Excellence and Reverence for the Individual.
• This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.