Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Acute Care Hospital
Portland, Oregon
Oregon Health & Science University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Location: Portland, Oregon
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for a day shift position, Tuesday through Saturday, 8-hour shifts. The role involves providing skilled patient care in an acute hospital setting with preferred experience in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and inpatient rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize care based on medical necessity, discharge plans, and patient stability.
• Perform and document skilled patient care activities, including direct treatment and education for patients, caregivers, and families.
• Monitor and adjust treatment plans in collaboration with Occupational Therapists (OTR/L).
• Fabricate and adjust splints to meet patient needs.
• Communicate patient needs and promote carryover of strategies with nursing and other caregivers.
• Update the care team on rehabilitation needs and plans as patient conditions change.
• Provide supervision and support to aides and volunteers as needed.
• Develop and enhance patient care programs and outcomes in the specialty area.
• Document treatments and patient contacts in compliance with regulatory and payer requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant license in Oregon.
• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with at least 1 year of experience.
• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant experience within the last year.

Experience

• Specialty: Therapy/Rehabilitation
• Minimum years of experience: Not explicitly stated; acute hospital experience required, SNF and inpatient rehab experience preferred.
• Prior travel experience: Not required.

Certifications & Compliance

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA provider only.
• ACLS, PALS, NRP certifications not required but may be relevant depending on unit.
• Background checks including education and work history verification required.
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug test including methamphetamines within 3 months prior to start.
• Immunizations and health documents required: Tdap, TB test or chest x-ray, Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, Flu vaccination or signed declination.
• Fit mask testing required within one year prior to start (N95 or equivalent).
• Facility-specific compliance documents and policies must be reviewed and signed prior to start.

Additional Requirements

• Two professional references from supervisors or managers within the last 24 months.
• Application must include at least 7 years of work history with city and state for each position.
• Candidates must be fully available for compliance needs up until start date.
• Facility requires completion of orientation and training modules prior to badge issuance.

Work Schedule

• Tuesday through Saturday
• 8-hour day shifts

This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic acute care environment with a focus on rehabilitation and patient-centered care.