Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Join Hilo Benioff Medical Center and be part of a team that proudly cares for our friends, family, and neighbors across East Hawaii. 

Job Description

Hilo Benioff Medical Center is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support patients in regaining independence and improving quality of life through therapeutic care. In this role, you will work closely with Occupational Therapists and interdisciplinary teams in an acute hospital setting to deliver hands-on treatment and help patients achieve meaningful functional outcomes. Join a collaborative healthcare team dedicated to helping patients achieve independence and improved quality of life while serving the diverse communities of East Hawai‘i.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist Occupational Therapists in evaluating patients and developing individualized treatment plans with measurable short- and long-term goals.
• Implement occupational therapy treatment plans independently using a variety of therapeutic techniques to maintain or improve patient function.
• Monitor patient progress, identify the need for treatment modifications or discontinuation, and collaborate with the Occupational Therapist on next steps.
• Adapt therapeutic activities and techniques to meet each patient’s needs, ensuring safe and effective care delivery.
• Document patient evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes, and recommendations accurately and in a timely manner.
• Support the broader therapy program by assisting with splinting, adaptive equipment, scheduling, interdisciplinary coordination, and participation in education and training activities.

Education:

• Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
• Successful completion of required supervised fieldwork.

Experience:

• Entry Level: No experience required
• Full Performance Level: One (1) year of experience working with patients in a hospital, clinic, or healthcare program involving occupational therapy assessment and treatment.

Certification & Licensure:

• Successful completion of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants required at time of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Workers required within six (6) months of hire.
• Current Occupational Therapy Assistant license issued by the State of Hawai‘i Board of Occupational Therapy required at time of hire.

Substitutions: 

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-approved program, along with successful completion of the national certification exam for Occupational Therapists, may substitute for the one (1) year of required experience at the full performance level.
• For foreign-trained applicants, a credential evaluation confirming equivalency to a U.S. accredited occupational therapy program may substitute for the required experience at the full performance level.

Preferred Skills:
Knowledge of human development, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and occupational therapy techniques. Ability to apply therapeutic interventions, adapt equipment and activities, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams. Demonstrates a positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to patient-centered care.

Company Description

As the Big Island’s leading providers of inpatient and outpatient care, the East Hawaii Region of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation (HHSC), consisting of Hilo Benioff Medical Center, Honoka'a Hospital, Ka′u Hospital, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, East Hawaii Medical Group and East Hawaii Health Pharmacy, delivers a full range of services and programs. Our three hospitals include 290 beds and more than 1,900 employees. Our medical staff is comprised of 250 physicians, physician assistants and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, representing 33 specialties. East Hawaii Health is our network of clinics offering primary and specialty care. Hilo Benioff Medical Center functions as a Level III Trauma Center, which includes the second busiest emergency room in the state, providing 24-hour care and serving more than 50,000 patients annually. Honoka'a Hospital and Ka′u Hospital are designated as Critical Access Hospitals. To learn more about the East Hawaii Region, please watch our Video Yearbook or visit www.hbmc.org, www.honokaahospital.org or www.kauhospital.org.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays each year (104 hours); 14 (112 hours) during election years*
• 21 paid vacation days (168 hours) per year*
• 21 paid sick days (168 hours) per year*
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Participation in the State of Hawaii’s retirement system
• Potential eligibility for various student loan repayment & scholarship programs

* Rates listed for paid holidays, vacation and sick days are for 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions assigned to 8 hour shifts. Accruals for these benefits are otherwise prorated based on FTE.

Hire Above the Minimum

This position is being hired above the minimum step.

Shortage Differential

Compensation for this position includes a shortage differential.

Pre-Employment Assessments for External Candidates

As part of the recruiting process for this position, external applicants (job applicants NOTemployed by HHSC’s East Hawaii Region) are required to complete pre-employment assessments shortly after application submission. If you are not an employee of the East Hawaii Region of HHSC, you will receive an email containing assessment instructions. We ask that you complete the assessments within two days of receipt of the request. 

Pre-Employment Health Requirements

Offers of employment will be contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment examination, which includes a drug screen and other regulatory medical requirements such as, but not limited to, a tuberculosis (TB) screen.  The cost for drug screening and blood draw for QuantiFERON and Titers, shall be borne by the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

Shift Details

Must be available to work shifts, weekends and holidays as necessary based on hospital operations. Services are provided 24/7.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.