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Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)- Registry

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 18, 2025 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

The posting mentions maintaining equipment inventory and clinic organization. Why does that matter to patient care?

What they are checking: Whether they see that missing or broken equipment wastes therapy time and can create safety risks.

As a registry employee, how do you keep your skills sharp between shifts?

What they are checking: Commitment to staying current when they are not working with patients every day.

Tell me about a time you disagreed with a supervising therapist. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Professional communication within the OT and COTA relationship without undermining the supervisor.

What would you do

As a COTA, how do you carry out a treatment plan written by an OT you may not have worked with before?

What they are checking: Whether they can follow the plan faithfully and know the limits of their scope as an assistant.

During a session you notice the patient's condition has changed, like new weakness or confusion. What do you do?

What they are checking: Recognizing changes that need the supervising OT or nurse right away, which protects the patient and stays within scope.

A patient asks you to skip the hard exercises today. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Ability to motivate and adapt while still working toward the plan of care.

About the work

Walk me through a dressing session with a patient who has use of only one arm after a stroke.

What they are checking: Practical skill in one-handed techniques and adaptive equipment for daily living tasks.

How do you document a session so it supports the OT's plan and the patient's progress?

What they are checking: Clear, objective notes that show progress toward goals and support billing and team communication.

How do you safely transfer a patient with a spinal cord injury from a wheelchair to a mat?

What they are checking: Safe transfer technique, use of slide boards and protection of skin and spine.

How do you help a patient with memory problems practice a new skill?

What they are checking: Use of repetition, cueing and structure to support learning after brain injury.

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The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. Job Description Summary The Occupational Therapy Assistant will perform specific patient treatments to restore independence in daily living skills. Assists the Occupational Therapist in complex treatments as directed. Documents patient status and progress and communicates findings with other team members. Maintains equipment inventory and organization of clinic area. The Occupational Therapy Assistant will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the hospital. The Occupational Therapy Assistant will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description The Occupational Therapy Assistant: • Assists Occupational Therapists with orienting patient and significant others with the purposes and processes of occupational therapy evaluation and treatment; • Assesses patient impairments, disabilities and handicaps under the direction and supervision of an experienced OTR/L. • Identifies areas in which abilities and impairments affect function, establishes goals and a treatment plans in collaboration with other team members. • Implements treatment plans for patients utilizing individual and group OT approaches under the supervision of an experienced OTR/L, including selecting activities to achieve desired outcomes, modifying the treatment when necessary, and educating patient and family. • Completes written documentation of patient care activities, providing information to primary therapist. • Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Reporting Relationships Reports directly to assigned Clinical Manager, Therapy Manager-Innovation Center, Therapy Manager-AbilityLab. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required • Work requires level of knowledge normally acquired by graduating from an approved occupational therapy assistant program. • Must be licensed in the State of Illinois. • Analytical ability is required to gather data during patient assessment and treatment in order to best meet the patient's needs. • Interpersonal skills are needed to explain treatments to patients and families and collaborate with colleagues. • Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 35 lbs. Working Conditions • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. • Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients. • May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings. • Includes Saturday and Sunday rotation work. Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: $35 per hour Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Equal Employment Opportunity ShirleyRyan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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