Certified Occupational Therapeutic Assistant- New Position

Position Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides occupational therapy services to patients under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. The COTA assists patients in developing, recovering, and maintaining daily living and work skills to promote independence, safety, and quality of life in accordance with established treatment plans, facility policies, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Core Organizational Competencies

Position Competencies

• Patient Care
• Implement occupational therapy treatment plans as developed by the Occupational Therapist
• Provide skilled therapy interventions to improve activities of daily living (ADLs), mobility, strength, coordination, and cognitive functioning
• Assist patients with adaptive equipment training and therapeutic exercises
• Monitor patient responses to treatment and report progress, concerns, or changes in condition to the supervising O
• Be able to adjust to resident’s needs in the moment, and handle multiple priorities at once. Be able to exercise awareness, empathy, and understanding of resident’s physical and/or emotional needs, and implement according interventions.
• Document therapy interventions daily or as needed.

Functional Risk Reduction (CMS: Function & Mobility Domains)

COTAs address functional deficits that contribute to falls with major injury by

• Training residents in safe transfers, toileting, dressing, and bathing—the most common times falls occur
• Improving upper extremity strength, coordination, and endurance, which supports safe use of walkers, wheelchairs, and grab bars
• Reinforcing proper body mechanics and task sequencing during daily activities

Position Responsibilities

• Accurately document treatment sessions, progress notes, and patient responses in accordance with facility policy and regulatory standards
• Maintain compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance guidelines
• Adhere to state practice acts, professional standards, and facility protocols
• Empower the resident by engaging them in multiple therapy domains focused on the “whole” person.
• Regularly engage the residents in physical, cognitive, and social programming. Promote their involvement in programs in buildings and units.
• Develop and implement programs of physical wellness to promote strength and maintenance of resident’s mobility and functional ability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of the Therapeutic Recreation team.
• Attend regular meetings and trainings with Therapeutic Recreation team, and foster a creative and collaborative culture in the department.
• Participate in resident assessments a requested or required.

• Collaboration
• Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team, including therapists, nursing staff, physicians, and social services
• Participate in care planning meetings and interdisciplinary rounds as needed
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and team members

• Safety & Professional Practice
• Ensure a safe treatment environment by following infection control and safety procedures
• Maintain patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
• Maintain required licensure, certification, and continuing education

Qualifications

• and Education & Certification
• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Current state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification required

• Experience
• Experience in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or long-term care preferred
• New graduates encouraged to apply
• Talents or experience in art, music, or cooking a plus.
• Experience in a human services related field is a plus.
• Experience in a therapeutic recreation program is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist patients as needed
• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and reaching
• Manual dexterity to handle therapy equipment

Exposure to Conditions

• May be exposed to contaminants, infections, odors, and psychosocial behaviors.