Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Description

 Who We Are

Are you interested in working for an organization whose mission is to enable frail, underserved, and multicultural senior communities to live independently at home and in their communities, for as long as possible?

Fresno Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is dedicated to providing its participants with comprehensive health and social supports that are proven to effectively manage chronic conditions and to reduce the risk for premature institutionalization. PACE staff are leaders in the “aging in place” industry and we have had the honor of serving Fresno, Bakersfield and Orange County seniors and their families/caregivers 

Job Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) provides occupational therapy services to the participants of Innovative Integrated Health (IIH) following the plan of care of the Occupational Therapist. Travel may be necessary to support all Innovative Integrated Health (IIH) sites.

Essential Job Functions 

Duties include, but are not limited to:

· COTA assists the Occupational Therapist in the treatment of Innovative Integrated Health participants who have medical problems and health related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

· Provide regular updates to Occupational Therapist on participants' status in therapy.

· Train participants on the proper use of adaptive equipment and durable medical equipment (DME) such as shower chairs, hip kit, sock aide, and more. 

· Continually assist in ensuring participant and staff safety. 

· Participate in meetings as indicated (morning, team, family, nursing facility, assisted living facility, and hospital).

· Provide treatment as indicated following plan of care from Occupational Therapists’ Assessment.

· Work as part of rehab team to provide Occupational Therapy services under the direction and supervision of the Occupational Therapist.

· Educate staff, participants, and family on therapy services available in the rehab department. 

· Demonstrate an ability to utilize appropriate safety measures and treat participants with respect when providing care.

· Instruct, and supervise other staff, and/or family members on therapy programs to be carried out by individuals other than the Occupational Therapist/COTA.

· Assist in observing participants and collaborate with Occupational Therapist regarding progress or decline of participant. 

· Train and supervise restorative aides as assigned, including all areas of performance consistent with departmental policies; report as required to supervisor regarding these issues.

· Provide orientation and training in regard to body mechanics and lift equipment to staff as requested.

· Complete documentation in a timely manner, write daily notes and progress reports. 

· Adjust schedule as needed to meet the needs of Innovative Integrated Health participants.

· Maintain confidentiality regarding participant, staff, contractor, and organizational information.

· Communicate observed staffing needs/changes and further program development needs to supervisor.

· Travel may be necessary to support all Innovative Integrated Health (IIH) sites.

· Attend and participate in staff meetings, in-services, projects, and committees as assigned. 

· Adhere to and support the center’s practices, procedures, and policies including attention to assigned break times and attendance.

· Accepts assigned duties in a cooperative manner; and performs all other related duties as assigned.

· Be flexible in schedule of hours worked, and in scheduling participants’ treatments to accommodate the participants’ availability.

· May require use of personal vehicle to provide therapy services in participant’s residence. If using a personal vehicle, a valid California Driver’s License is required.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress related to the position.

· Ability to function independently and to work effectively and in a collegial manner with all members of the interdisciplinary 

  team, co-workers, and department heads.

· Ability to relate to the public and governmental agencies in a pleasant, patient, and professional manner.

· Well organized, dependable, flexible, and resourceful.

· Must have excellent communication skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable