Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant provides direct rehab care to patients upon physician referral and under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Job Functions Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, this does not imply that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, 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 plan for patient needs, including 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 avoid new or further injuries. Effectively communicate with supervisor and other health team members regarding patient progress, barriers, and treatment plans. Chart appropriately and timely. Assist the Occupational Therapist in patient development, recovery, and improvement of skills needed for daily functionalities. Demonstrate dependability and regular attendance. Utilize good body mechanics at all times. Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actions. Personnel Functions Maintain an excellent working relationship within the therapy team and across functions. Report occupational exposures of blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures. Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, positive emphasis, and a calm environment throughout the facility. Staff Development Attend and participate in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession and to maintain any applicable licenses. Attend meetings and in‑services as required. Complete assigned Relias training timely. Equipment And Supply Functions Recommend to the Director of Operations equipment and supply needs for the department. Make periodic rounds to check equipment and assure that necessary equipment is available 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 efficiently to avoid waste. Ensure that appropriate cleaning supplies are on hand for necessary clean‑up. Care Plan And Assessment Functions May assist in the development of preliminary and comprehensive assessments of the therapy needs of each patient. Develop and maintain a good rapport with all services involved with the care plan to ensure a team effort in developing a comprehensive plan of care. Maintain the confidentiality of all patient care information. Know and practice the Center’s policy on patient/resident rights. Miscellaneous Ensure appropriate protective clothing/devices are on hand and used for handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids. Flexibility with schedule to cover the needs of the department. Working Conditions Works in the therapy gym, patient rooms, offices, and throughout the center. Move continuously during working hours. Subject to frequent interruptions. Involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances. Subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients and family members. Communicate with 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). Subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, and reactions to dust, disinfectants, and other air contaminants. Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and hazardous chemicals. Qualifications Specific Requirements Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. 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, and be willing to handle patients at their current maturity level. Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and incorporate 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 workplace. Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or without the aid of mechanical devices) Must be able to move continuously throughout the work day. Must cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position. Must possess sight/hearing or use prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately. Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with patients, personnel, and support agencies. Must relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and occasionally hostile people within the facility. Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds and perform pushing, pulling, lifting, kneeling, squatting, crawling, stooping, bending, walking, and moving freely from one position to another. May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations. Education and Certification Requirement Current COTA License. CPR/BLS Certification. #J-18808-Ljbffr Veritas Management Group