COTA

Job Description

Job Description

Part TIme or PRN 

Home Health or Out Patient

Job Summary: The certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) conducts client/patient treatments in the home setting as designated by the supervising occupational therapist. He/She uses occupational therapy procedures to help improve mobility, relieve pain and disability caused by a disease or injury.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Performs accurate comprehensive patient treatments and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the supervising occupational therapist
• Measures motor function, balance, coordination, muscle strength, performance and range of motion while assessing the client’s ability to function independently
• Observes client’s during treatments to compile and evaluate data on clients’ responses and progress and reports to the occupational therapist recommending adjustments and modifications in order to achieve maximum benefit
• Reports pertinent changes in client’s status to the occupational therapist and clinical case manager
• Provides information to the client/caregiver about the proposed intervention, its material risks and expected benefits and any reasonable alternatives
• Enhances a client’s strength, flexibility, range of motion, motor control and reduce any pain or discomfort that the client is experiencing
• Identify and document goals, anticipated progress and plans for re-evaluation
• Helps clients accomplish treatment plan and accept therapeutic devices by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging and assisting clients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory/functional activities, daily living activities and in using assistive and supportive devices such as walkers, canes and other prostheses
• Performs manual muscle testing, therapeutic exercises and massage therapy along with using physical agents of heat & cold for prevention, correction and alleviation of disease and injury
• Measures fits and requisitions prostheses, orthopedic and other supporting devices necessary for increasing the client’s independence
• Teaches/instructs clients/caregivers to use orthopedic braces, prostheses and supportive devices
• Completes all required forms & records within the designated timeframe as per agency policy
• Maintains and ensures current comprehensive documentation of client assessments, clinical records, services provided, reports and other required information
• Completes documentation at point of service
• Routinely provides assistance to clients which requires lifting, pushing and balancing the equivalent of 50 lbs. or greater
• Supports and adheres to all agency policies and procedures
• Other Functions and Responsibilities:
• Other duties as requested or assigned.

Working Conditions: 

• Travel required during all seasons to assigned client homes and work in various home conditions
• Usually works indoors but may work outside on occasion
• May be exposed to noises or sound levels that are distracting (Medical equipment can sometimes be loud)
• Work very near others, routinely come into contact with clients throughout the day
• May be exposed to contaminants
• Often exposed to diseases or infections from contact with clients
• May have to get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces

Educational, Physical, and Other Requirements : 

• Must pass Level 2 background screening through the Florida Clearinghouse (Learn more: )

• Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. Physical requirements may include frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee may be required to lift, stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; and smell. Vision abilities may require close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• For the safety and security of our residents and patients, employees must be able to read, write, and verbally communicate in English, which is the most universally used language of our resident and employee population. 
• Licensed by the Florida Occupational Therapy Board to practice as a Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Current CPR certification
• Meets all continuing educational requirements for a Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Knowledge of Medicare regulations and excellent organizational skills
• Adherence to agency safety and infection control practices
• Must be flexible and capable of maintaining regular attendance
• Must meet all local health regulations and pass a pre-employment and subsequent routine physical exam, drug screen and background check
• Have a good driving record and is able to travel extensively during all seasons
• Must have dependable transportation – You will be required to use your own vehicle for work

Customer/Guest Relations & Communications :

• Must maintain a professional, respectful, friendly demeanor with all residents, family members, guests, and staff at all times.

The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position with or without notice.