Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Rehabilitation Therapies  Supervisor/Manager,  the level 2 Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant assists the Licensed Occupational Therapist with comprehensive treatment of in and out-patients with physical, cognitive, psychosocial, or functional deficits. Implements individual/group occupational therapy treatment to achieve the highest possible level of independence in daily living skills. Collaborates with other disciplines to arrange for appropriate follow-up care.  Provides student training according to departmental guidelines and participates in continuous education. Is encouraged to assist in interdisciplinary research. Has a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a licensed certified occupational therapist assistant, preferred 1 year at BMC.

Position: COTA        

Department: Psych Services

Schedule: Part Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Implements comprehensive individual and group treatment under supervision by the licensed occupational therapist. Consistently demonstrates clinical competence.

• Follows through with established treatment priorities based on the Occupational Therapist’s evaluation results and plan of care.
• Implements individual and group occupational therapy services using effective treatment procedures.  Uses creative treatment approaches and explores alternative solutions to individual patient problems. 
• Demonstrates clinical problem solving skills with a variety of patient problems and substantiates actions taken.
• Monitors patient response to treatment and progresses treatment programs appropriately. Informs the occupational therapist of changes in the patient, which may require reassessment.
• Recommends and/or issues appropriate adaptive or orthotic devices according to accepted occupational therapy standards.
• Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment; provides verbal and/or written instructions as indicated.
• Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with all patients.
• Demonstrates ability to engage patients in treatment, provides reinforcement and support; sets limits appropriately.
• Communicates patient progress to team members regularly.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients regularly served.
• Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.
• Adheres to diagnosis-related precautions.  Demonstrates good judgment in handling potentially hazardous situations, seeking assistance as necessary.
• Monitors clinical supplies on assigned floors, requesting replacements in a timely manner.

 Supports occupational therapist in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

• Documents actual intervention and patient response to treatment as well as progress toward goals.
• Identifies need for additional intervention by the occupational therapist and collaborates with therapist for this intervention.
• Discusses patient issues, discharge planning, changes in care plan, and progress toward goals with evaluating occupational therapist.
• Schedules with primary occupational therapist for re-evaluation in timely manner and in compliance with department and third party policies/requirements.

Complies with department, institutional and accrediting agency policies and /or standards.

• Completes are specific documentation in an accurate, thorough and timely manner according to department standards scoring an average of 95% or greater on each indicator.
• Issues supplies/adaptive equipment in a cost-effective manner. Justifies issuance of equipment, demonstrates actual use by patient, and looks for alternative solutions.
• Completes patient care charges timely and accurately. Charges for all equipment issued.
• Meets area specific productivity standards at least 95% of the time. Identifies problems and makes adjustments to meet targeted productivity.
• Participates in the peer review process. Completes form thoroughly, gives meaningful and constructive feedback, and provides learning experience to peer.
• Completes mandatory requirements (including PPD, competencies, and safety/infection control test, CPR recertification, license renewal) within given time frame.

Shows evidence of on-going professional growth and knowledge of regulations and standards.

• Initiates independent learning opportunities, seeks out and integrates new information in daily practice. Comm