• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

    UPMC (Altoona, PA)


    COTA

    Altoona Hospital OT

    1.0 full-time (40 hours/week)

     

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

     

    Union position: AFSCME

     

    Reposted: 1/5/2026

     

    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