Full-Time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION:

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

DEPARTMENT:

Therapy

SUPERVISOR:

Director of Therapy

EXECUTIVE AREA:

Clinical

EFFECTIVE DATE:

October 2025

FLSA CLASS:

Non-Exempt

SUMMARY OF JOB:

Responsibility of caring for our residents, families, co-workers, visitors, and all others. The primary purpose of your job position is to provide occupational therapy services to residents by assisting in the assessment, treatment, program planning and implementation, related documentation, and communication. Functions under supervision of the occupational therapist. You are entrusted to provide innovative, responsible healthcare with the creation and implementation of new ideas and concepts that continually improve systems and processes to achieve superior results. As Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties. No supervisory function

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides occupational therapy services to residents under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist.

2. Assists occupational therapist in the evaluation process in the areas of self-care, functional mobility, and coordination. Assists in the evaluation of other areas as directed.

3. Identifies indications for and assists in evaluations at appropriate intervals under the direction of the occupational therapist.

4. Assists the occupational therapist in identifying a problem list, short-term goals, long-term goals and treatment plan.

5. Conducts both individual and group treatment as assigned by the occupational therapist and outlined in the treatment that includes, but is not limited to, areas of muscle strength, coordination, mobility, sensory awareness, sitting and standing, transfer training, balance activities, self-care training, range of motion activities and modalities.

6. Assists in the selection of occupational therapy techniques/media an in the sequence of activities, adapts techniques/media as indicated by resident performance and following consultation with the occupational therapist. No major modification to the treatment plans is made without prior consultation with the occupational therapist.

7. Monitors resident’s response to intervention and consults with occupational therapist if modification is indicated.

8. Assists in establishing and modifying individual resident schedules in conjunction with the occupational therapist and other team members.

9. Adheres to department and resident schedule and modifies as appropriate for treatment regimen.

10. Maintains acceptable resident care ratios as determined by the occupational therapist.

11. Provides/recommends/fabricates adaptive devices or other equipment. Trains residents, family and appropriate staff in the use or application of orthotics and prosthetics.

12. Participates in resident, family and staff education.

13. Confers formally and informally with other team members in coordinating the total rehabilitation program of the resident.

14. Adheres to Occupational Therapy Department procedures regarding documentation of occupational therapy services.

15. Provides treatment in accordance with established standards of practice, department procedures and productivity standards.

16. Records billable treatment times according to Occupational Therapy Department procedures and submits weekly/monthly statistics to regional office.

17. Maintains safe and clean work area and adheres to facility/company safety standards.

18. Complies with all infection control, Universal Precautions and OSHA standards for the healthcare professional.

19. Consistently demonstrates sound judgment in the evaluation planning, implementation and follow-up of resident therapy programs.

20. Maintains positive relationships and rapport with coworkers, residents, family members and facility personnel.

21. Reports to work on time and adheres to schedule maintaining acceptable patient ratios and work efficiency during assigned shift.

22. Assumes responsibility for ongoing continuing education and professional development.

23. Assists with and participates in quality assurance programs as required.

24. Adheres to established confidentiality standards.

25. Projects a positive and professional image at all times.

26. Demonstrate respect and compassion in every interaction.

27. Conduct oneself with the highest degree of honesty and integrity in every interaction.

28. Demonstrate a passion for caring as evidenced by interaction with co-workers, residents, families, and visitors.

29. Perform other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE

STANDARD

EXPECTATION

Spirit of Unity and Teamwork

Willing to assist and support co-workers; flexible to a change in work assignment; participate in team meetings; value the contributions of all and include all in decisions that will affect them.

Respect

Recognize the dignity and value of each person; appreciate, embrace and celebrate diversity; speak to others and about others in a kind manner; respond to and give direction with emotional control; maintain privacy and confidentiality in personal matters; always knock on the door before entering a room; treat the property of others carefully and responsibly.

Spirit of Hospitality and Relationship Building

Greet each person I meet; welcome new residents, families and co-workers; courteous and friendly in manner; build positive relationships.

Communication

Listen attentively to others and respond respectfully; share important information with those that need to know; address concerns with the appropriate persons and work with them together to resolve the concerns.

Responsibility, Sense of Ownership and Stewardship

Assumes responsibility for the Villa’s reputation; open to new ideas and new approaches to the job.

Compassionate Care and Service

Respond to residents needs in a timely manner; take time to speak with family members; give timely feedback to persons who express concerns; foster a healing environment within the Villa community

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a minimum of an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Must possess current state licensure or license in state where applicable.

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Must be able to work independently.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal, coordinating, and organizational skills.
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks at one time.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language and possess good communication skills. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide training appropriate to the age –related needs of the residents served.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/ personnel, and the general public.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel. Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing training practices.
• Must possess the ability to plan and develop new programs.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents and staff.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety to other individuals in the workplace.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of the company, which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

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