Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 

FLSA Classification

Non-Exempt

Reports to

Rehab Services Manager

Date

Summary/objective

Under the direction of the Rehab Services Manager, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) follows through with treatment plans established by the occupational therapist for patients referred for occupational rehabilitation services; treats, monitors and provides ongoing assessment of patients; performs all necessary paperwork/reports; maintains communication with supervising occupational therapist, patients/clients, patient/client family, caregiver, physician and contract site staff; presents in-services; and other diverse duties as requested or required. Provides Occupational Therapy Assistant services in accordance with current applicable federal, state and local standards, regulations and guidelines in both an outpatient and in-patient setting. Provides direct oversight of the activity program at Orchard Hospital. Ensures the highest degree of quality of care is rendered at all times.

Essential functions

• Implement treatment plans established by the supervising occupational therapist.
• Inform the supervising occupational therapist of any significant change in patients’/clients’ medical status, condition, complexity and/or acuity, which may necessitate changes to established treatment plans.
• Provide recommendations to the supervising occupational therapist on treatment plan adjustments when necessary to progress patients/clients or discontinue services.
• Prepare necessary documentation including daily notes and logs in a timely manner according to federal, state and facility-specific rules and regulations. 
• Consult with other members of the rehabilitation team to help develop treatment programs consistent with the needs and capabilities of the patient/client and to coordinate comprehensive services delivery.
• Develop effective home programs to maintain and enhance patient/client performance in his/her environment.
• Understand and comply with supervisory rules and regulations required by the state of employment.
• Perform clerical duties such as answering the phone, taking messages, inventory checks, form completion, and insurance authorization tracking.
• Present a positive service-oriented approach with patients/clients, family, caregivers, facility staff, and co-workers at all times.
• Assist with orientation of new staff, volunteers, and students. 
• Assist with equipment maintenance and monitor supply inventory.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to reducing costs and improving productivity in the rehabilitation department.
• Demonstrate the ability to handle changing schedule of patients/clients. 
• Maintain positive working relationships with the healthcare team, patient/client, family, and caregiver.
• Assist with Quality Assurance reports and records as may be requested.
• Assist with development of programs. Attend department meetings and conferences.
• Provides for a planned schedule of recreational, social, educational, and therapeutic activities – Developing, Administering, Implementing, and Assigning activity programs in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Understand and comply with Orchard Hospital policies and procedures, including but not limited to, universal precautions, safety, risk, and emergency.
•  Monitors patient progress and treatment plans. Ensures documentation is completed in a timely manner.

Competencies

• Skilled at developing and maintaining a positive working rapport with rehab department personnel, as well as other interdisciplinary departments.
• Ability to perform the essential work functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to relate positively, professionally, and cooperatively with others.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one settings to patients/clients, family, caregivers, facility staff, and other employees of the organization.
• Demonstrates a professional manner in all work settings at all times.

Supervisory responsibilities

May direct and supervise COTA students, aides and volunteers. 

Work environment

Most of the work will be done indoors in a therapy setting. Occasional outdoor activities or therapy may be needed.

Physical demands

• Able to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Able to lift 50lbs with some bending and squatting to assist patients.

Travel required

Occasional travel for offsite meetings, conferences, and outreach

Required education and experience

• Graduate of an approved Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Occupational Therapy Assistant board certification and licensure according to state      regulations
• Certification as Activity Director
• Current BLS certificate

Additional eligibility requirements

Work authorization requirements

Employee must also be able to satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which requires documents to prove Employee’s identity and demonstrate that Employee is authorized to work in the U.S., and to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9)

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Orchard Hospital enthusiastically accepts its obligation to provide equal employment opportunities and to make employment decisions without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cancer history or diagnosis, genetic characteristics or information, religion, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as protected hairstyles – braids, locks, twits), color, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, disability, military status, veteran status or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.

Selection of employees is conducted based on the applicant’s previous appropriate experience, skills, knowledge, former employer references and possession of certificates and/or license, where applicable. Applicants must meet requirements of the position for which they are applying and be of good personal character. Written and/or manual examination may be required for positions requiring special skills.

Personal actions regarding such matters as compensation, benefits, transfer, staff reduction, promotions, Orchard Hospital sponsored training, education, and social/recreational programs will be administered in keeping with Orchard Hospital’s commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.