Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Reports to Therapy Department Leadership. Performs occupational therapy treatments to restore function, prevent disability and maximize potential and quality of life following disease, injury or surgery based on plan of care established by an Occupational Therapist. Participates in departmental programs and activities and serves as a role model of quality clinical practice. Serves as a resource to staff, rehabilitation teams, and Interns.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Clinical Practice

• Works collaboratively with supervising occupational therapist and all disciplines to effectively manage patients.
• Utilizes available equipment to maximize patient outcomes.
• Incorporates skills learned at continuing education/in-services into daily practice.
• Instructs patient/family in occupational activities and provides handouts when appropriate and document in medical records.
• Uses a variety of treatment techniques as outlined in the treatment plan to provide individualized care and optimize patient outcomes.
• Communication with patients and families is professional and appropriate to their level of understanding and need.

Department Operations

• Productivity expectation for assigned area is met.
• Proactively seeks to assist others when personal caseload is less than productivity expectation.
• Actively and appropriately participates in meetings.
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in managing caseload on a daily basis.
• Holds self accountable for all information related to policy and regulatory guidelines presented in meeting, in-services, in writing and verbally.
• Accepts responsibility/accountability and performs daily support activities when those personnel are not available.
• Meets all defined guidelines (license, CPR, mandatory in-services, TB).
• Participates in program development, special projects, performance improvement, etc.
• Team norms are consistently followed for communication.
• When giving direction to support personnel, expectations are made clear.
• Collaborates with all disciplines/ancillary personnel to effectively manage patients.

Documentation

• Adheres to department policy for time frames for completion of all paperwork (notes, D/C summaries).
• Completes within established guidelines all documentation related to patient assessment tools used for outcomes and or regulatory compliance.
• Documentation includes appropriate detail to support all billing charges and is completed in a timely fashion to meet payor requirements for prior authorization and continuation of treatment.
• Content of documentation is complete and appropriate for diagnosis and condition (i.e. objective functional measures, special tests and minutes).
• Signs/cosigns documentation appropriately per practice act and policy.

Professional Development

• Maintains professional membership and is encouraged to participate in organizational activities and meetings.
• After attending continuing education, presents an in-service that will enhance staff knowledge and skills, improve patient management, patient outcomes and promote fiscally responsible patient management.
• Serves as a clinical resource related to rehabilitation therapy for other staff throughout the organization and community.
• Maintains knowledge through literature review.
• Provides supporting reference articles when presenting in-services, case presentation etc.

Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department

• Completes other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an Associate's Degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant school. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license for Indiana is required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Has ability to function independently in an environment that demands a high level of judgment and decision making with minimal direct supervision.
• Requires familiarity with use of modalities and equipment needed to complete standard treatments offered.
• Maintains current BLS Certification

Working Conditions

• Has potential exposure to infectious diseases.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Sufficient balance and strength necessary in standing to ensure patient safety.