Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Company : HealthPRO Heritage
Location : Independence, MO, 64057
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Overview
HealthPro Heritage has a great PRN Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Opportunity in a Stunning Watermark Senior Living Community offering AL/IL in Independence, MO!
- Competitive Pay Rates!
- Supportive Leadership Team and Amazing Staff!
- Flexible Schedule!
Why Choose HealthPro Heritage?
- Purpose-Driven Work: Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to compassionate care and innovative therapy solutions.
- Growth Opportunities: Enjoy continuous learning and development opportunities tailored to support your professional growth.
- Collaborative Culture: Thrive in a supportive environment where teamwork, respect, and open communication are at the heart of everything we do.
- Commitment to Excellence: Join a team recognized for clinical expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality care and outcomes.
- Competitive Benefits Package: Enjoy competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package designed with YOU in mind!
Join Us in Making a Difference
At HealthPro Heritage, we offer a fulfilling career where you can positively impact lives and achieve personal and professional growth. As a therapist-led, diverse organization, we provide clinical services across various settings, including nursing facilities, retirement communities, hospitals, home care, schools and clinics. Join us to be part of a team that values your skills, listens to your input, and makes a meaningful difference in the community.
Responsibilities
- Patient Care & Treatment Implementation: Assist in delivering individualized therapy based on treatment plans developed by the Occupational Therapist, including activities to improve daily living skills (e.g., dressing, eating, mobility).
- Progress Monitoring & Documentation: Track and document patient progress, maintaining accurate records in compliance with facility policies, and report changes or concerns to the Occupational Therapist.
- Collaboration & Patient Education: Work with interdisciplinary teams (e.g., PT, OT, nursing) to provide holistic care, and educate patients and families on therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment, and strategies for independence.
- Therapeutic Activities & Support: Lead or assist patients with exercises, activities of daily living, and other therapeutic tasks, while creating a positive and supportive environment to encourage patient engagement.
Qualifications
- Education: Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant program from an accredited school.
- Certification: Certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Licensure: Current state licensure (or eligibility) to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
- Experience: Previous experience in an occupational therapy setting (hospital, clinic, school, etc.) is preferred, but new graduates are also encouraged to apply.
HealthPRO Heritage and its subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HealthPRO Heritage and its subsidiaries comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
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Frequently asked questions
In settings such as Watermark senior living, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) plays a vital role by tailoring therapeutic activities that enhance daily living skills, fostering independence among seniors. This environment demands adaptability and compassionate care to address age-specific challenges effectively.
To work as a COTA in Missouri, candidates must hold national certification from NBCOT and possess a current Missouri state license or eligibility. These credentials ensure adherence to professional standards and legal requirements in delivering occupational therapy services locally.
Yes, occupational therapy assistants in nursing facilities often focus on long-term rehabilitation and chronic condition management, while those in clinics may handle acute therapy cases. Both require collaboration with interdisciplinary teams but adapt interventions to patient needs across these diverse settings.
HealthPRO Heritage emphasizes a therapist-led, mission-driven culture with growth opportunities and flexible scheduling. Their commitment to clinical excellence and supportive teamwork creates an enriching workplace tailored to COTAs seeking impactful roles in Independence, MO.
HealthPRO Heritage offers continuous education and development pathways, promoting professional progression for COTAs. Their environment encourages input-driven practice and exposure across multiple care settings, helping assistants expand their expertise and leadership capabilities.
Independence exhibits growing demand for COTAs driven by an aging population and expanding senior care facilities. This trend results in favorable hiring conditions, with employers like HealthPRO Heritage actively seeking qualified candidates to meet community healthcare needs.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in Independence typically earn between $45,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience and facility. Competitive pay rates reflect regional cost of living and healthcare staffing demands, making this a financially viable career choice.
At HealthPRO Heritage, COTAs benefit from a collaborative culture emphasizing innovative therapy techniques and personalized care plans. The company's diverse settings and therapist-led model distinguish its approach, fostering both clinical growth and meaningful patient impact.
HealthPRO Heritage prioritizes flexible scheduling, enabling COTAs to tailor work hours around personal commitments. This flexibility, combined with a supportive leadership team, helps maintain a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and life outside work.
Missouri’s accredited occupational therapy assistant programs provide education meeting NBCOT certification standards, aligning closely with HealthPRO Heritage’s hiring criteria. Graduates from these programs are well-prepared to enter the workforce and succeed in roles across the state.