Occupational Therapy Assistant

Title: Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)


Job Category: Service Provider

Reports to: Program Director

FLSA Status : Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

COTA provides occupational therapy as deemed necessary by evaluation, meeting the needs of client goals. COTA assists the Occupational Therapist (OT) in patient screening, assessment, and evaluation process. Duties include implementation of occupational therapy treatment plans, ongoing patient care and ongoing assessment as determined by the supervising OT. COTA will carry out all duties, tasks and assignments in a confidential, competent, and professional manner within established deadlines, in compliance with all legal and Company requirements, under the direct supervision of an OT.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
• License or eligibility for licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant with the State of New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy.
• Certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

Training & Supervision Requirements:

• Adheres to all requirements for supervision by a licensed OT
• Completion of ATI Supervision Plan.
• May be assigned to supervise assistant level students in fieldwork rotations.
• Adheres to all supervision requirements by the State of New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works towards fulfilling Company's Mission, Vision and Values.
• Performs a variety of therapy procedures on assigned caseload as directed by the OT.
• Assists the OT in all aspects of the occupational therapy process.
• Notifies OT of patient status change(s), upcoming reassessment/assessment dates and any other relevant information regarding patient care.
• Assists the OT in ensuring a collaborative supervisory process.
• Attends meetings (IFSP, IEP, Team Conferences) as assigned, to discuss client treatment programs and occupational therapy concerns.
• Participates in team discussions in an articulate, positive, and productive manner.
• Maintains assigned equipment in proper working order. Performs routines repairs.
• Instructs staff, as assigned, in principles used in occupational therapy including, but not limited to activities of daily living, increasing motor skills, adaptive equipment use, patient safety, and other techniques specific to individual patient care.
• Adheres to established Company guidelines within all ATI Official Documents.
• Represents the Company while participating in community outreach events, activities, meetings, trainings, etc.
• Completes all documentation in a timely manner.
• Attends all mandatory in-services and participates in Company committees as requested by supervisor.
• Responds to emergency situations in a competent manner.
• Adheres to established Company guidelines within the Company's Official Documents.
• Assists in quality management, research, public relations, community outreach, and program development projects when appropriate.
• Participates in Company's Professional Development Plan.
• Carries out all responsibilities professionally and efficiently.
• Maintains effective communications at all levels within the work setting and Company.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Due to the nature of Company's business, treatment settings will vary. Must be able to adapt to a variety of settings and be willing to work in community, school, and homes.
• Work area may be crowded.
• Working schedule may vary due to the nature of the business.
• Duties may involve being on one's feet for extended periods.
• Duties may involve traveling to and from areas within the southwest region of New Mexico.
• Duties may involve exposure to hazardous conditions using power tools, contagious diseases, and chemicals to repair/adjust patient equipment.
• A typical workday may involve daily positioning and transferring patients.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.