Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) administers occupational therapy to participants in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Occupational Therapist.

• Provides physician prescribed occupational therapy under a written plan of care established, delegated and supervised by the OT.
• Develops treatment goals in collaboration with, and under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist.
• Adapts intervention environment, tools, materials and activities according to the needs of the participant in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist.
• Interacts with the participant's family or caregiver(s) in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist.
• Assists in preparing clinical and progress notes.
• Participates in educating the participant and family regarding all aspects of activities of daily living
• Participates with all other health care personnel in participant care planning.
• Consults with OT regarding change in treatment.
• Prepares medical records, progress notes and updates care plans for each patient visit in a timely manner as per policy.
• Informs the OT and other team members of changes in the patient's condition and needs.
• Continually reevaluates needs of patient/family.
• Consults with OT to determine whether treatment plan should be continued, changed or terminated.
• Instruction to patient/family in home program with documentation in medical record notes.
• Completes and submits progress notes and paperwork in a timely manner per Agency policy.
• Immediately reports to supervising Occupational Therapist any patient incidents/variances or complaints.
• Reports all incomplete work assignments to supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement activities and program evaluations.
• Maintains treatment areas, equipment and the supply inventory as required.
• Enters equipment into IGCP inventory, entering item into DME book and placing item(s) into stock within 24 hours of equipment delivery.
• Updates DME book as needed, ensures that book has current information.
• Maintains O.T. forms for use within department by keeping files stocked.
• Assists with data collection/evaluation by maintaining the Log Book on a daily basis.
• Monitors own performance and identifies areas where additional assistance and/or instruction is needed.
• Documents participant care within 24 hours of home visit and completes progress notes on participants receiving regular O.T. care.
• Responds to request for services by contacting participants either by phone or in person within 48 hours of referral being given.

• Current certification from National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBOT)
• Current CPR certification or the ability to obtain CPR certification is required.
• Requires personal transportation, state issued driver's license, good driving record and auto insurance as required by law
• 1+ yr working with the frail or elderly

• 2+ yrs COTA experience
• Bi-lingual