Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Description

 Position Summary

 A Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) assists in the treatment of injured, ill, or disabled patients  through the therapeutic use of everyday activities, under the direct supervision of an Occupational Therapist  (OT). The Occupational Therapist Assistant / Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA will aid in the provision of  rehabilitative services for people suffering from physical, emotional, mental or developmental impairments. 

Essential Functions

• Optimizes the functionality and skills of patients by providing, directing and/or overseeing therapy in the following: screening of all residents, assessing and treating all patients who might benefit from therapy as referred by state-approved referral source.
• Adheres to Minimum Data Set (MDS) procedures and effective care planning.
• Thoroughly document progress toward identified objectives and communicating patient status and needs to the patient, family, and other involved professionals. 
• Refers patients for treatment to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA), where appropriate. 
• Provides consultation and clinical supervision to COTAs in the facility. 
• Directs COTA(s) and Rehab Aide(s) in skilled tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes efficient and effective utilization of resources and facilitate the ongoing development of clinical skills in accordance with State Practice Acts, Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA). 
• Build a strong rehabilitation practice within each facility by performing or directing and supervising occupational therapy staff in the following activities: establishing and maintaining courteous and helpful interaction patterns with staff, patients, and families which reflect sensitivity to individual needs and a problem solving approach; actively integrating therapy’s role into facility and interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Contribute to facility patient care, utilization review, case management, administrative staff/department head meetings, and family conference activities/communications. 
• Ensures punctuality and regular attendance for assigned shifts.

Other Functions

• Provides skilled occupational therapy services / interventions in accordance with physician orders.
• Assesses patient needs, plans for, evaluates and modifies care to meet goals of occupational therapy interventions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to communicate effective treatments and procedures to residents, families, and nursing facility.
• Ability to maintain patient/resident confidentiality.

Requirements

 Education

 Graduate from an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant program.

Licenses/Certification

 Current COTA license required. 

 Current CPR certification required. 

Experience

Six months experience in a long term care environment preferred.