COTA - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - SH Acute Therapy

Location Site: Salem Hospital Main Campus

Department: SH Acute Rehab Services

Position Type: Full Time

Start Time: 8:00

Your Team - Acute Care Therapy:

Our dynamic and collaborative Acute Care therapy team works to empower patients and problem solve barriers to success! At Salem Health you get to work at the top of your license treating patients in a wide variety of specialty areas such as neuro-trauma, orthopedics, neurology, medical/surgical, and so much more. You'll be a part of our multiple centers of excellence providing evidence-based high-quality care for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, spine surgery and stroke care. You'll have the opportunity to broaden your professional knowledge by working closely with other therapy providers, care management teams, allied health specialists, physicians, and advanced practice providers. Workdays are dynamic and fast-paced yet allow therapists flexibility within their day to see patients as they deem appropriate. We think work should be both challenging and rewarding; we encourage staff to expand their knowledge with annual continuing education funds/paid days off, specialty certification reimbursement, and ongoing mentorship opportunities. Staff also have opportunities to cross train within the rehab continuum in areas such as post-acute inpatient rehab. Our therapy staff typically enjoy a work 4-day work week, giving you the time and balance to recharge and pursue your interests outside of work. Ready to make an impact? Join our team and grow your career with Salem Health!

Your Role with Us:

As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) you will deliver high-quality occupational therapy services, collaborating closely with physicians and supervisory staff. The COTA applies a solid understanding of occupational therapy principles to support patient care, utilizing specialized equipment tailored to specific areas of treatment. As an integral part of the rehabilitation team, the COTA plays a key role in coordinating patient care to ensure comprehensive and seamless service delivery.

Core Functions:

• Deliver effective, evidence-based therapy under the supervision of an occupational therapist, ensuring timely progression toward patient goals and safety.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team, patients, and families to address needs, overcome barriers, and support treatment and discharge planning for optimal patient outcomes.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation and billing that reflects treatment provided, patient progress, and supports compliance with program standards.
• Maintain and demonstrate required competencies, completing annual training and certifications to remain proficient within the scope of practice.
• Efficiently manage caseloads, delegate tasks appropriately, and flexibly support team needs across departments to meet patient care demands.
• Adhere to regulatory standards, licensure guidelines, and departmental protocols while integrating performance improvement tools to enhance daily practices and outcomes.
• Provide education to patients and families regarding therapy techniques and strategies to support continued progress outside of therapy sessions.
• Actively participate in team meetings and interdisciplinary care planning to ensure cohesive treatment and patient-centered care.
• Maintain and manage therapy equipment, ensuring its proper use, cleanliness, and readiness for patient interventions.

Your Background and Experience:

• Graduate of an occupational therapist assistant training program approved by the Committee on Accreditation in Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience or clinical rotation in department specific area required.
• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant License required. Must be verified prior to start date.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire.
• Must be a team player and have proven success applying team approach to obtain resolution to an issue.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, problem solving, decision making and organizational skills for working with the rehabilitation team and patients.
• An ability to prioritize and adapt to change while working in a high-volume multidisciplinary setting.

About Salem Health:

Pioneering healthcare since 1896, Salem Health is a top workplace offering highly competitive pay where you can make a difference in the lives of those in the community where you live. Through incorporation of Lean driven principles, staff are able effect change in the organization to solve problems and drive continuous improvement.

As an employer of choice, we are devoted to assuring that we provide a safe, healthy, and patient-centric workplace, while keeping staff wellbeing and satisfaction top of mind. We invite you to learn more about our wonderful community: There's something about Salem, Oregon!

Video: Working at Salem Health

Total Rewards Offerings:

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations and professional growth.

• Relocation assistance available for qualified positions
• Full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Basic and voluntary life insurance
• Short and long-term disability
• Live Well Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(K) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) accrual and holiday pay
• Onsite fitness center with 24/7 badge access
• Education assistance program
• Public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer https://studentaid.gov/
• Food and drink discounts in the cafeteria.
• Impressive discounts offered by Nike, Adidas, Carhartt and others.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contactmy.recruiter@salemhealth.org