Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

POSITION SUMMARY

Executes plans and implements prescribed occupational therapy treatment programs that have been selected and delegated by the supervising Occupational Therapist in clinic, residence or day program. Provides services relative to treatment diagnosis and treatment plan that will maintain and/or restore function secondary to acute or chronic disability, conducts annual screens and daily documentation if warranted. These services may include supportive physical therapy programs and screening procedures.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Reviews persons receiving services’ medical record; verify MD’s order and occupational therapy assessment prior to implementing OT treatment required. Maintains active/up to date MD prescriptions as outlined by NYS Department of Health (DOH) and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) depending upon work assignment.
2. Communicates with supervisor regarding persons receiving services. This may include function in the areas of: sensorimotor, musculoskeletal status, CNS status, the use of assistive technology and adaptive equipment needs, wheelchair mobility.
3. Confers with physicians and other health care practitioners to obtain additional information on persons receiving services. Integrate input from person receiving services, family, and direct care staff in treatment.
4. Writes specific, objective, and measurable documentation, which is outcome oriented and details the persons receiving services’ needs, potential to benefit from treatment and progress achieved to date. All documentation must be completed via the designated documentation method for that site. The clinic staff must use the designated EMR within the time frame established by the Healthcare Center. EMR documentation must be cosigned by a licensed OTT, if applicable. Consults with supervisor when appropriate to implement recommendations.
5. Provides training to persons receiving services, families and/or direct care staff in specified follow through programs.
6. Communicates effectively with discharge planning from rehabilitative programs.
7. Participates and attends care plan/team meetings as needed for persons receiving OT services.
8. Follows a documented treatment plan, generated by the OT, which may include ROM, therapeutic exercise, gait training, manual therapy, ADLs, wheelchair mobility, application of physical agent modalities. Observes and reports status of persons receiving services to the supervising OT. Provide treatment to persons receiving services within facility-specified time frame. Only the OT can modify goals on a treatment plan.
9. Perform all duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Graduate of an accredited occupational therapy assistant school; New York State license, limited permit, or eligible for licensure to practice occupational therapy. Must have passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam successfully or within 1 yr of hire.
2. Knowledge in the use of adaptive equipment & therapeutic exercises. Must have good written-verbal communication skills and be computer literate.
3. Physical Demands:
   • Therapist to be able to demonstrate standard pivot transfers with weight bearing individuals.
   • Therapist to be able to demonstrate a two person lift transfer of individuals who are non-weight bearing.
   • Therapist to be able to demonstrate the ability to utilize a mechanical lifter as needed.
   • ​Must be able to travel as assigned to sites in the boroughs in the Healthcare Centers, day programs or residential sites.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Attend/participate in mandatory educational programs as defined by the agency, department policy and by New York State.
2. Maintains current licensure.
3. Performs all job responsibilities in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Adheres to the agency’s corporate compliance program, including the code of business conduct, the NYS and federal false claims acts, whistleblower protections and mandatory reporting. Complete corporate compliance training at least annually. Fully cooperates in all corporate compliance investigates & reviews.