Position Overview
The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) delivers patient care under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist. The COTA implements therapeutic programs to promote development, restore function, and support rehabilitation for patients with physical, mental, or emotional challenges. This role supports individual goals through hands-on care, education, and adaptive strategies while maintaining a patient-centered and ethical approach to treatment.
Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range begins at $26.54 per hour.
The Perks and Benefits
- Team-based environment – Collaborate with experienced OTs and interdisciplinary care teams.
- Professional development – Access continuing education, mentorship, and career growth.
- Patient-centered care – Support life-enhancing outcomes and recovery for individuals of all ages.
- Scenic workplace – Boone, NC offers mountain living, vibrant community life, and excellent schools.
- Mission-driven system – Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to improving lives.
- Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience – range is $26.54 per hour or more. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position with shift differential.
- Comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA.
- Supplemental insurance to include short and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, legal insurance, etc.
- Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
- Paid time off – front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire) – paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. Cash out option also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria.
- Paid parental leave – qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child – to be taken consecutively.
- Employee Wellness program – Love Your Life – award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees. Employees enrolled on the organization's health plan can enroll with our health screening (biometrics and labs) and earn program incentives. Employees who are not enrolled on the organization's health plan can participate in online wellness activities for a chance to earn quarterly prize drawings.
- Employee to Employee (E2E) program – Caring for our own. Employee program that is solely funded by voluntary employee donations. The money is used to financially assist co-workers that are experiencing unexpected financial hardship.
- Employee perks to include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).
Key Responsibilities
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Administer treatment programs as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
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Assist patients in therapeutic exercises, self-care routines, and use of adaptive equipment.
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Monitor and document patient progress; communicate changes to the supervising therapist.
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Educate patients and families to promote continued progress and safe discharge planning.
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Maintain accurate records and comply with regulatory, safety, and departmental procedures.
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Support interdisciplinary collaboration and uphold professional and ethical standards.
Position Requirements
Minimum Education
Experience
Required Registration/License/Certification
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Proficiency in care planning and execution under OT supervision.
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Understanding of rehabilitation care across the continuum.
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Commitment to safe, high-quality, and compassionate patient care.
Physical Demands
- Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
- Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
- Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
- Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day
- Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
- Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
- Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
- Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
- Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work
- Infrequently per shift: may be exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave
Working Conditions
- Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
- Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment
- Exposed to unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
- Handles emergency or crises situations
- Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays)
About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.
UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.
Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.
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