Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

  • State of Wisconsin
  • Winnebago, Wisconsin
  • Full Time

Position Summary

As a COTA, you will be an integral component of the Therapeutic Services (TS) Department, providing Occupational Therapy (OT) services to patients on assigned units within WMHI. Responsibilities include:

  • Incorporating a variety of treatment approaches and activities that ensure the physical safety of patients who display aggression toward self and/or others, cognitive and behavioral impulsivity, and quickly changing physical and mental status.
  • Quickly and accurately assessing the leisure/Activities of Daily Living (ADL)/ Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and psychological strengths and needs of patients at WMHI.
  • Providing 1:1 or group treatment.
  • Implementing spontaneous integration of knowledge into choosing treatment approaches and activities.
  • Educating co-workers in the use of leisure/ADL/IADL, and psychosocial activities appropriate for the patient's well-being during their admission.
  • Participating in the supervision of Fieldwork 1 and Fieldwork 2 students education programs.

Salary Information

The starting pay is $25.30 to $33.33 per hour (approximately $52,600 to $69,300 per year), plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

An $.80 /hour weekend differential applies to applicable hours worked. Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and is in pay schedule and range 06/64.

Job Details

All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

This position will need to be physically active throughout the workday as it will be involved in a variety of activities. In emergency situations, COTAs may need to push, pull, hold, run, climb, jump, crawl or assist in physically restraining a patient.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by WMHI or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

This position requires the ability to drive a State vehicle. In order to become authorized to drive a State vehicle, you must meet the requirements for the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle policy, which are:

  • Must have a valid driver's license;
  • Must have minimum of two years licensed driving experience;
  • Must be 18 years of age.

Additionally, your driving record MUST NOT reflect any of the following conditions:

  • Three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two years;
  • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)/Driving Under the Influence (DUI) citation within the past 12 months;
  • Suspension or revocation of driver's license.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have the following:

  • Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and licensed or eligible for licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Eligible includes those who completed their education in an accredited COTA program and are applying for an Occupational Therapy Assistant license with Wisconsin DSPS. Must be licensed within six (6) months of appointment.
  • Meets the requirements for the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle policy.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

  • Experience assessing psychiatric adult patients and facilitating care based upon patient's needs, interests and functioning level.
  • Experience leading groups for acute psychiatric adults.
  • Experience using an electronic health records/medical records system to document patient medical information.

For a guide on developing your resume and what should be included, click here.

How To Apply

Applying is easy! Click "Apply for Job" to start your application process. Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application.

Helpful Information:

  • Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click "Save" to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
  • You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
  • Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
  • Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
  • If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.
  • For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Allyvia Vang at ....

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans' hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran's Affairs, click here.

You will be required to attach your current resume in a Word or PDF compatible format and answer one or more questions.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is 07/29/25 by11:59 pm. Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am - 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Job ID: 486790799
Originally Posted on: 7/25/2025

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