Job Title: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Reports to: Facility Rehab Director/Regional Director, Clinical Supervision from Occupational Therapist
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classification: Clinical
Supervises: Students
Position Summary: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides services under the general supervision of the Occupational Therapist, and in accordance with state practice guidelines, including assisting with patient assessment; treating patients, delivering home programs, patient and family instruction, participating in family and team conferences, conducting equipment inventory, maintenance and orders. COTA is responsible for documenting services according to the departmental and facility standards. This position provides direct patient care to adult and geriatric patients. Represents a commitment to quality of care in all interactions with patients, caregivers and facility staff. Adheres to all state regulations regarding Occupational Therapy.
Qualifications Required:
Successful completion of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Valid Occupational Therapy Assistant License to practice in appropriate state(s)
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Effective leadership and customer relations skills
Ability to exercise mature judgment with initiative in analyzing and solving problems
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Provides therapeutic treatment in accordance with the established plan of care
Documents treatment provided including reasons for skilled intervention, observation, recording and reporting patient status and response to treatment
Participates in the maintenance of therapy records
Ensures availability of supplies and equipment
Maintains appropriate patient schedules, as per established guidelines
Provides documentation to maintain quality of the medical records, as it relates to reimbursement guidelines, accuracy of billing information, and facility requirements
Participates in patient, family, and facility meetings, as appropriate
Follows administrative policies and procedures, including those related to emergency procedures, infectious disease control, and safety
Coordinates and/or participates in training programs for facility staff, residents, families, and rehabilitation staff
Initiates new program development with focus on functional outcomes to improve the quality of life of facility residents
Participates in continuous quality improvement
Patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a work day/shift; must be capable of easily lifting 50 pounds of dead weight alone
Able to walk, bend, stand, and reach consistently during a work day/shift
Performs other related duties as required and assigned
Success Factors/Job Competencies:
Results Orientation – Meets current objectives and positions the organization for further growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of the department.
Social Sensitivity – Builds positive relationships based on respect for others. Demonstrates a helpful and positive attitude. Maintains effective communication with peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families.
Quality Outcomes – Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and external customers. All organizational and departmental standards regarding quality of performance are met. Demonstrates a strong commitment to confidentiality. Participates in quality improvement programs as directed.
Safe Working Environment - Demonstrates an awareness of, and adherence to, safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an emphasis on maintaining a safe environment for all persons working and living in the facility.
Accident/Injury Reporting – Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift.
Unsafe Conditions – Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe conditions and equipment.
Workplace Standards – Complies with relevant regulations, standards, and policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, JCAHO, etc.)
Safety Techniques – Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the facility’s safety program by attending safety-related training, as mandated, upon hire and thereafter as required by facility.
Education – Participates in required in-service and educational programs on a continual basis.
Attendance and Punctuality – Follows all facility guidelines outlining standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for reporting to and completing work at assigned times.
Universal Precautions - Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. All blood or other potentially infectious materials will be considered infectious regardless of the status.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is consistently required to walk, stand, sit, lift equipment, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk, and hear. Employee must consistently lift and reposition patients.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee shares work space with other employees; therefore, the environment can become crowded and noisy.
General Sign-off: The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies and procedures while employed.
Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. Summit Care will advise employees of any changes in their job duties.