Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) administers occupational therapy to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Registered Occupational Therapist (OT). Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Understands and adheres to established Agency policies and procedures.
• Provides physician prescribed physical therapy under a plan of care established by the PT.
• Improves or minimizes residual physical disabilities of the patient.
• Returns the individual to optimum and productive level within the patient's capabilities.
• Participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.
• Performs all skill procedures as ordered by physician and according to the plan of care established by the OT.
• Makes recommendations regarding the plan of care as indicated by patient/family needs.
• Maintains order visit frequency.
• Consults with OT regarding change in treatment.
• Instructs patients and family members in home programs and activities of daily living.
• Participates in in-service programs and presents in-service programs as assigned.
• Participates in performance improvement activities as assigned.
• Attends all patient care conferences as scheduled.
• Maintains accurate records as required and documents all necessary information in clinical records in a timely manner.
• Documents assessments, interventions, and response to interventions indicating patient progress toward goals accurately and concisely.
• Accurately documents visit times and mileage in computer.
• Participates in educating the patient and family.
• Observes proper chain of command.
• Manages time effectively and maintains productivity.
• Able to speak knowledgeably of the scope of services that are available through the home care organization.
• Accepts responsibility for own continuing educational needs.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

Departmental And Additional Job Responsibilities

1. Other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

Education

• Graduate from an Occupational Assistant Education Program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
• Currently licensed in Michigan.

Experience

• Previous home care experience preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience, preferred.

Essential Physical Abilities/Motor Skills

• Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
• Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
• Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
• Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Essential Technical Abilities

• Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.
• Ability to perform manual therapy techniques and operate treatment/assessment equipment.
• Fine motor skills to apply taping, braces, etc.

Essential Mental Abilities

• Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
• Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
• Ability to interpret assessment results, follows the developed treatment plan, and evaluates patient's response to treatment.

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
• Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
• Ability to visually and auditory monitor treatment and patient's response to treatment.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
• Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
• Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
• Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.