Kindred Healthcare·Palestine, Texas
Implement individualized occupational therapy treatment plans to improve patients' physical function and independence in daily living activities. Collaborate with the care team to monitor patient progress, provide education to families, and support discharge planning.
Join Palestine Regional Medical Center in Palestine, TX, a 150-bed hospital that has recently earned the prestigious Leapfrog “A” Safety Grade, the Platinum Award for quality from parent-company ScionHealth, and certification as a Chest Pain Center and Level IV Trauma facility.
Palestine Regional provides a range of comprehensive care, including the latest in diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Palestine Regional is an integral part of the local community, giving you the chance to grow your career while making a real impact close to home.
Job Summary The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
This role involves implementing individualized treatment plans, documenting patient progress, and promoting independence in activities of daily living.
The COTA works with patients across the life span in a hospital or rehabilitation setting, ensuring that all care delivered aligns with clinical goals and regulatory standards.
Essential Functions Implements treatment plans developed by the Occupational Therapist using appropriate therapeutic techniques Monitors and reports patient responses to treatment, recommending adjustments when necessary Assists patients in improving physical function, motor coordination, sensory processing, and daily living skills Provides education to patients, families, and caregivers regarding therapy goals, home programs, and adaptive equipment Collaborates with the care team to support discharge planning and community reintegration Maintains accurate, timely documentation of services and patient outcomes Supervises rehabilitation aides and ensures compliance with delegated responsibilities Participates in departmental meetings, training sessions, and performance improvement initiatives Demonstrates awareness of patient safety, infection control, and ethical conduct in all care activities Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, treatment methods, and rehabilitation standards Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to build rapport with patients and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team Proficient in electronic documentation systems Demonstrates empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity Capable of adapting care for patients across the developmental spectrum Physical Demands Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds Must be able to assist with patient transfers and mobility tasks Requires visual acuity and hearing sufficient to assess patient needs and communicate effectively Work Environment Work is performed in clinical, inpatient, and outpatient rehabilitation settings Occasional exposure to bloodborne pathogens, biohazards, and communicable diseases May involve travel between locations or to patient homes, depending on organizational needs
Education Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program Licenses/Certifications Current state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required at hire Experience One year of relevant experience in a clinical or rehabilitative setting preferred Must demonstrate sound clinical judgment and the ability to work independently Experience working with diverse patient populations, including geriatrics and pediatrics, preferred
Requires an Associate's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program and current state licensure as a COTA. BLS certification is required, and one year of clinical or rehabilitative experience is preferred.
Market context
Texas allied-health employers often look for CT technologists with current ARRT registration, Texas Medical Board CMRT, AHA BLS, and prior CT experience, so demand tends to favor candidates who already meet core credentialing requirements. These roles are competitive because employers need clinicians who can work independently, maintain imaging quality, and keep pace with patient volume. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly confirm your credentials, then verify any state-specific licensing details before applying.
