Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Purpose of Your Job PositionThe Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant provides direct rehab care in occupation therapyto patients upon physician referral and under the supervision of a Licensed OccupationalTherapist (OT) in accordance with all applicate laws and regulations.Job FunctionsEvery effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in noway states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. Theomission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work issimilar, related, or is an essential function of the position.Duties and Responsibilities Follow the treatment plan for patients under the direction of the supervising OT Work closely with patients, family members and other care team members to adequatelyplan for patient needs, to include short term and long term goals Verify patient information and confirm purpose of treatment Monitor each movement to ensure the patient is performing them properly to avoidnew/further injuries Effectively communicate with supervisor and other health team members regardingpatient progress, barriers, and treatment plans Chart appropriately and timely Assist the Occupational Therapist in patient development, recovery, and improving skillsneeded for daily functionalities Must demonstrate dependability and regular attendance Must utilize good body mechanics at all times Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actionsPersonnel Functions Maintain an excellent working relationship within the Therapy team and crossfunctionally Report occupational exposures of blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardouschemicals in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures governing accidentsand incidents Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, aswell as a calm environment throughout the facilityStaff Development Attend and participate in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreastof changes in your profession, as well as to maintain any applicable licenses Attend meetings and in-services as required Complete assigned Relias training timelyEquipment and Supply Functions Recommend to the DOR equipment and supply needs for the department Make periodic rounds to check equipment and to assure that necessary equipment isavailable and working properly Clean equipment Check supply rooms to assure that needed supplies are on hand Ensure that all therapy equipment is operating in a safe manner Ensure that therapy supplies are used in an efficient manner to avoid waste Ensure that appropriate cleaning supplies are on hand to perform necessary clean-upCare Plan and Assessment Functions May assist in the development of preliminary and comprehensive assessments of thetherapy needs of each patient Develop and maintain a good rapport with all services involved with the care plan toensure that a team effort is achieved in developing a comprehensive plan of careResident Rights Maintain the confidentiality of all patient care information Know and practice the Center’s policy on patient/residents rightsMiscellaneous Be sure that appropriate protective clothing/devices are on hand and used for handlinginfectious waste and/or blood/body fluids Flexibility with schedule to cover the needs of the departmentWorking Conditions Works in the Therapy gym, patient rooms, in offices, as well as throughout the Center Move continuously during working hours Subject to frequent interruptions Involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., underall conditions and circumstances Subject to hostile and emotionally upset patient, family members, etc. Communicate with the medical staff, nursing services, and other department supervisors Work beyond normal working hours, on weekends and in other positions temporarily,when necessary Subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.) Subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the day, aswell as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, and other air contaminants Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicalsSpecific Requirements Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant suchaction Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members,visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing tohandle patients based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing toincorporate them into existing services Must be able to relate information concerning a patient’s condition Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplacePhysical and Sensory Requirements (with or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices) Must be able to move continuously throughout the work day Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses tofunction adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability towork effectively with patients, personnel and support agencies Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and attimes, hostile people within the facility Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds. Requires pushing, pulling, lifting, kneeling,squatting, crawling, stooping, bending, walking and the ability move freely from oneposition to another May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situationsEducation and Certification Requirement Current COTA License CPR/BLS Certification #J-18808-Ljbffr