Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Job Description

Job Description

Key Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant helps residents by providing rehabilitative services, under the direction of occupational therapists, to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. 

The following is a general list of key job duties and responsibilities in your position. The list is not to be considered inclusive and you will be required to perform other duties/responsibilities as assigned by an authorized supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

Comply with the Facility’s personnel, safety, and corporate policies and procedures.

Report witnessed or reported allegations of resident abuse/neglect immediately to the Administrator or Director of Nursing.

Reports to Corporate Director of Rehabilitation and facility Director of Rehabilitation Services. 

Treat residents, family members, visitors, and team members with dignity and respect.

Maintain the confidentiality of all resident and family information.

Report to work on time and as scheduled.

May conduct general activity programs and supportive or maintenance programs. He/she may not plan or evaluate individual or group treatment needs, but may make recommendations to the supervising OTR for consideration.

Responsible to communicate with other personnel regarding the resident’s total treatment program, especially to the OTR who will need to make appropriate alterations in treatment program needs for a specific patient. 

Responsible for maintaining accurate records of treatments given and all appropriate paperwork according to the policies of the company with supervising Registered Occupational Therapist to co-sign all progress notes.

Will attain an efficiency standard for delivery of occupational therapy services.

Essential Job Duties/Physical Requirements 

The following is a general list of key job/physical requirements for your position. The list is not to be considered inclusive and other job/physical requirements may be necessary as deemed by the Facility. 

• Regular worksite attendance. 

• Licensure/Certification Requirements: Hold current registration with the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board (AOTCB). Hold a permanent or be eligible to apply for a COTA license to practice in the State of Florida through the Board of Medical Examiners. Strong recommendation of membership to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and State organizations. 

• Must meet recognized standards of the professional education and qualifications.

• Must have basic computer skills. 

• If required to operate a motor vehicle for business purposes, must successfully complete the requirements contained in Company’s Motor Vehicles policy. 

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. 

• Must be able to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.

• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations. 

• Must be able to perform the essential position functions of the job with, or without reasonable accommodation.

• Employee is required to use a transfer/gait belt or to obtain the assistance of another employee when attempting to assist residents when lifting or carrying objects in excess of 25 pounds. The employee must be aware that during the normal, routine performance of the essential functions, some of the following body movements may occur naturally, although they may not be a requirement of the job.

• Primary Physical Requirements:

• Lift up to 10 lbs: Frequently 

• Lift 11 to 25 lbs: Rarely 

• Lift 26 to 50 lbs: Occasionally 

• Lift over 50 lbs: Not required 

• Carry up to 10 lbs: Frequently 

• Carry 11 to 25 lbs: Frequently 

• Carry 26 to 50 lbs: Not required 

• Carry over 50 lbs: Not required 

• Reach above should height: Frequently 

• Reach at shoulder height: Frequently 

• Reach below shoulder height: Frequently 

• Push/Pull: Frequently 

• Hand Manipulation:

• Grasping: Frequently 

• Handling: Constantly 

• Torquing: Rarely 

• Fingering: Constantly 

• Cognitive and Sensory Requirements: 

• Talking: Required 

• Hearing: Required 

• Sight: Required 

• Tasting and Smelling: Not Required 

• Other Physical Considerations 

• Twisting, Bending, Crawling, Squatting, Kneeling, Crouching, Climbing and Balancing are all required. 

• 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 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. 

• This is a physical position, as employee may be required to walk and stand for extended periods of time. Employee should be energetic and creative. Employee may be requested to perform other duties or tasks that are not listed, but are within the competence and training of the individual. The employer reserves the right to modify this job description based upon the company needs.