As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), your primary responsibility is to work with occupational therapists to help clients recover, maintain, and improve their abilities to perform daily living and work-related activities. You will work with clients of all ages and backgrounds, and you may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and outpatient clinics. Your duties as a COTA may include, but are not limited to: Assisting occupational therapists in evaluating clients' abilities and developing individualized treatment plans Leading or assisting clients in exercises and activities designed to improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, strength, and range of motion Educating clients and their families about proper body mechanics, adaptive equipment, and other techniques to improve their independence and safety Documenting clients' progress and communicating with occupational therapists about their needs and goals Assisting with the modification of the client's environment or equipment to improve their ability to perform daily living and work-related activities Ensuring that clients' safety and comfort are maintained during therapy sessions Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, speech therapists, and physicians, to provide comprehensive care to clients Keeping accurate records of treatments, billing, and insurance information Staying current with advances in occupational therapy techniques and equipment. To be successful in this role, you will need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds. You should also have strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to changing situations and work independently. Certification as an occupational therapy assistant is typically required, and additional training or certification may be necessary depending on the state in which you work.