Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - PRN

As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) at Symbria, your primary responsibilities include collaborating with Occupational Therapists to create and implement individualized treatment plans for patients, assisting them in achieving their therapy goals through compassionate care, maintaining productivity standards, and completing necessary documentation. You will play an essential part in supporting our elderly patients in both senior living and post-acute settings.

To qualify for the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) position at Symbria, applicants must be graduates of an accredited COTA program and hold a valid or pending state license. While experience in acute care, long-term care, or rehabilitation is a bonus, it is not required. We encourage new graduates to apply and start their rewarding careers with us.

Working as a PRN COTA at Symbria in Lindenhurst offers flexibility while allowing you to make a real impact in patients' lives. You'll join an employee-owned company that values your contributions and provides a supportive work environment. With benefits like 401k, pet insurance, and employee assistance programs, you'll be part of a team that prioritizes your well-being both professionally and personally.

As a COTA at Symbria, you will primarily work with the geriatric population, assisting them in regaining independence and improving their quality of life through tailored therapy interventions. Your role is crucial in a range of settings such as senior-living facilities and post-acute care environments, where you will create meaningful relationships with patients and their families.

Symbria is dedicated to the continuous training and development of its Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs). We offer opportunities for professional development, access to mentoring programs, and an encouraging culture that fosters learning and growth. As an employee-owned company, your success and career advancement are linked to our vision of providing top-notch healthcare.

When answering this question, be sure to highlight specific instances where you partnered with Occupational Therapists to develop treatment plans. Discuss your approach to teamwork, communication, and how those experiences helped you enhance patient care.

Effective organization is crucial for a COTA. Discuss tools you use, such as scheduling software or checklists, and share strategies you employ to prioritize tasks while ensuring quality care for each patient.

Highlight motivational techniques you find effective. These could include setting achievable goals, providing positive reinforcement, and personalizing sessions to resonate with individual patient interests and needs.

Discuss your approach to building rapport with patients. Emphasize the importance of patience, understanding their concerns, and employing motivational interviewing techniques to encourage compliance with therapy.

Express your philosophy regarding patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of understanding each patient’s unique needs and preferences. Provide examples of how you tailor therapy interventions to align with their individual goals.

Explain the importance of accurate documentation in occupational therapy and describe your systematic approach to ensuring timely and complete records, which also complies with productivity standards.

Choose a scenario from your past experiences where you had to be flexible in altering a treatment plan due to unexpected patient needs. Emphasize your critical thinking and adaptability skills in those situations.

Highlight the significance of communication in therapy settings. Discuss how you ensure clear, effective communication with both patients and the healthcare team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes.

Mention resources you utilize to stay informed about current trends and practices in occupational therapy, such as professional seminars, online courses, or peer networks that support ongoing learning.

Share your personal motivations for choosing this career path. Discuss what aspects of working as a COTA resonate with you, such as helping patients regain independence and improving their quality of life.