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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Americare

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Bronx, NY · On-site

$29.75 - $39.50/hr

Certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) by the NBCOT. * Licensure: Active and unrestricted license to practice as a COTA in the State of New York. * Experience: Previous ...

Americare

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Queens, NY · On-site

$29.75 - $39.75/hr

Certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) by the NBCOT. * Licensure: Active and unrestricted license to practice as a COTA in the State of New York. * Experience: Previous ...

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All JobsCertified Occupational Therapy JobsCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant JobsCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$17

$33

$47

How much do certified occupational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified occupational therapy assistant in Rutherford, NJ is $33.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.93 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified occupational therapy assistant?

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. COTAs assist with implementing treatment plans, educating patients and their families, and documenting patient progress. They work with individuals of all ages who have physical, developmental, or emotional challenges, supporting them to achieve greater independence in their daily activities.

What does a certified occupational therapy assistant do?

A certified occupational therapy assistant helps patients during physical therapy treatments and rehabilitation exercises. They work with the patient's occupational therapist and physician to develop a treatment plan that fits the patient's needs. This can mean assisting with stretching exercises or helping a patient learn and adjust to assistance equipment. The duties and responsibilities of a certified occupational therapy assistant also include keeping detailed records of patient progress and health, and performing other administrative and organizational tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified occupational therapy assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you need an associate degree from an accredited program and national certification, along with strong knowledge of rehabilitation techniques and patient care. Familiarity with therapy documentation software, adaptive equipment, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Excellent communication, empathy, and teamwork skills help COTAs effectively support patients and collaborate with occupational therapists. These skills and qualities ensure effective therapy delivery, accurate reporting, and positive outcomes for clients' daily living and independence.

How do certified occupational therapy assistants typically collaborate with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting?

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) work closely under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to implement treatment plans tailored for each patient. They frequently collaborate with occupational therapists by providing feedback on patient progress and suggesting adjustments to interventions. Additionally, COTAs may interact with physical therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and family members to ensure holistic and coordinated care. This teamwork-focused environment helps ensure patients receive comprehensive support as they work toward their rehabilitation goals.

What is the difference between Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectCertified Occupational Therapy AssistantOccupational Therapist
CredentialsAssociate's degree, NBCOT certificationBachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, NBCOT certification
Work EnvironmentAssist in therapy sessions under supervision, clinics, hospitals, schoolsLead therapy plans, evaluate patients, supervise assistants, clinics, hospitals, schools
Job RoleImplement treatment plans, assist patients with activitiesDevelop treatment plans, evaluate patient progress, oversee assistants

The main difference between a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and an Occupational Therapist lies in their education, responsibilities, and level of independence. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants support therapists by implementing treatment plans and assisting patients, while Occupational Therapists develop plans and oversee patient care. Both roles work in similar environments, but the Occupational Therapist holds a higher level of responsibility and requires advanced education.

Where do certified occupational therapy assistants get paid the most?

Certified occupational therapy assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas and states with robust healthcare industries. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the work setting, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or skilled nursing facilities.
More about Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs

What job categories do people searching Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:

What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,843 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Americare

New York, NY • On-site

$31.25 - $41.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Americare Senior Living rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 242 rated social care providers

Job description

Job Description:

Position: Occupational Therapist Assistant

We are looking for caring and motivated Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTAs) to join our team in all five Boroughs. Whether you're an experienced COTA or just starting your career, we are here to support you.

  • Responsibilities:
    • Provide occupational therapy services as outlined in the established Plan of Care developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
    • Assist patients in developing, improving, or restoring functions in activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs, mobility, and safety in the home.
    • Implement therapeutic activities, adaptive techniques, and equipment training under OT direction.
    • Observe and document patient progress and communicate changes in condition to the supervising OT and interdisciplinary team.
    • Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and supervisory support as needed.
    • Educate patients and caregivers on techniques to improve safety, independence, and function at home.
    • Maintain accurate and timely electronic documentation in compliance with agency, state, and federal guidelines.
    • Comply with all HIPAA regulations and policies.
    • Travel to patient homes within assigned geographic areas as indicated.
    • All other duties as assigned
  • What We Offer:
    • Flexible schedules (that you create)
    • Supportive Management Team.
    • Professional growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications:
    • Required: Certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) by the NBCOT.
    • Licensure: Active and unrestricted license to practice as a COTA in the State of New York.
    • Experience: Previous experience in home health or geriatrics preferred but not required.
    • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
    • CPR certification (or willingness to obtain prior to start).
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Americare is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, gender, pregnancy, religion, age, creed, marital and partnership status, national origin, ancestry, alienage, past or present physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, veteran or military status or citizenship status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

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