• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

    UPMC (Altoona, PA)


    COTA

    Altoona Hospital OT

    1.0 full-time (40 hours/week)

     

    Shifts: 7am-3:30pm; some Saturdays and holidays

     

    Union position: AFSCME

     

    Reposted: 11/4/2025

     

    Join Our Occupational Therapy Team at UPMC Altoona!

     

    UPMC Altoona is seeking a full-time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our dynamic and compassionate rehabilitation team. This position supports the delivery of high-quality Occupational Therapy care in collaboration with an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), working closely with patients, families, and a multidisciplinary care team.

     

    As a COTA at UPMC Altoona, you'll help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life through personalized treatment plans, education, and therapeutic interventions. Your work will make a meaningful difference every day.

    What You'll Do

    + Assist the OTR/L in assessing and delivering Occupational Therapy services as ordered or referred by a physician

    + Implement treatment plans that promote functional independence and recovery

    + Educate patients and families on therapy goals and techniques

    + Collaborate with nurses, physicians, and other allied health professionals to ensure holistic care

     

    Why Choose UPMC?

     

    UPMC is committed to supporting your career - professionally and personally - from day one. We offer a robust package of benefits and growth opportunities:

     

    + An incomparable benefit package (found to be 20% higher in value than other healthcare employers in our market!)

    + Up to five and a half weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus seven paid holidays each year

    + Tuition reimbursement of up to $6,000 per academic year at any accredited institution, available to employees and their dependents

    + Professional development programs to help you grow in your career and expand your skills

    Responsibilities:

    + Implements appropriate OT treatment to referred patients according to established goals.

    + Administers appropriate structured OT assessment to referred inpatients and outpatients.

    + Responds to requests for OT services per physician's order and initiates referral when indicated.

    + Assists in maintaining and completing appropriate OT/TR service related records and forms, including inventory, medical records, and billing.

    + Participates in multidisciplinary conferences/treatment planning meetings to facilitate quality patient care and operations of PM&R Department.

    + Provides information concerning patient's involvement in treatment upon his/her discharge from the hospital.

    + In collaboration with OTR/L, interprets evaluation results and treatment plan to patients, physician, family, significant others, and treatment team.

    + Assists OTR/L in the development of treatment plans, including short- and long-term measurable goals and methods to achieve identified goals.

    + Graduate of COTA program with a minimum of Associate's Degree in Occupational Therapy

    + Successful completion of a 3-4 month clinical internship in Occupational Therapy

    + Successful completion of the NBCOT Certification Examination with current certification

    + Acute care experience preferred.

    + Pennsylvania Drivers License or pending.

    + Current CPR certification or pending.Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

    + Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

    + Occupational Therapy Assistant

    + Act 34

    + OAPSA

     

    UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran