Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Company : HealthPRO Heritage
Location : Chicago, IL, 60641
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Overview
HealthPro Heritage has a great Full-Time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Opportunity in a Highly Awarded Retirement Community in North Chicago, IL.
- Opportunity to work with Adults in an elevated setting!
- M-F Hours: Autonomy in your schedule!
- Wage Range: $30-$34 per hour (based mainly on experience)
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 Chicago, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) focuses heavily on hands-on patient care, aiding adults with daily living activities under an occupational therapist's guidance. Unlike some healthcare roles, it blends therapeutic exercises with patient education, emphasizing individualized progress and teamwork in diverse settings like retirement communities.
Key skills include proficiency in therapeutic techniques, strong interpersonal communication to educate patients and families, meticulous documentation practices, and adaptability in various clinical environments. Mastery of these abilities ensures effective support in rehabilitation and enhances patient independence.
Absolutely. Beyond direct patient care, COTAs can advance into supervisory positions, specialize in pediatric or geriatric therapy, or transition into educational roles within therapy training programs. Continuous education and certifications open doors to leadership and niche healthcare sectors.
HealthPRO Heritage prioritizes a collaborative culture and purpose-driven work, offering autonomy with flexible M-F schedules and competitive wages. Their focus on innovation and compassionate care creates a supportive environment tailored for COTAs seeking professional growth in a diverse, therapist-led organization.
Joining HealthPRO Heritage means access to continuous learning opportunities and working alongside clinical experts dedicated to quality outcomes. This environment fosters skill enhancement and career advancement while contributing meaningfully to community health in a respected retirement community.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chicago generally earn between $30 and $34 per hour, depending on experience and setting. HealthPRO Heritage offers wages within this range, reflecting the competitive market rates for COTAs in specialized retirement community care.
Chicago's aging population and expanding healthcare services fuel steady demand for skilled COTAs. Retirement communities and specialized clinics actively seek qualified assistants, making it a promising market with varied opportunities for professionals to find fulfilling roles.
North Chicago offers accessible transit options and manageable commute times for healthcare workers. HealthPRO Heritage's M-F scheduling allows for a balanced routine, accommodating personal time and reducing typical healthcare shift stresses common in larger urban centers.
In Illinois, COTAs must hold national certification through NBCOT and obtain state licensure to practice legally. Maintaining these credentials requires ongoing education, ensuring assistants stay current with therapeutic standards and Illinois-specific regulations.
A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is licensed to provide direct therapy under an occupational therapist’s supervision, implementing treatment plans and documenting progress. In contrast, aides typically assist with non-clinical tasks and lack the clinical training and certification required for therapeutic interventions.