Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

JOB TITLE: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the therapy department and the community.

Sits, stands, bends, stoops, lifts, pushes, pulls, squats, walks, and moves intermittently during working hours.

Is subject to frequent interruptions.

Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, governmental agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.

Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.

Communicates with all team members, visitors and residents.

On occasion works beyond normal working hours, evenings, and on weekends and holidays.

Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

Maybe subject to falls, cuts, bruises, aggressive residents, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, etc.

May be subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.,

May be required to work on weekends and holidays.

May be required to work on shifts other than the one for which hired.

Is required to be on-call for emergencies.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Current state license or certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

Prior experience in a senior living or geriatric setting (preferred).

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Compassionate, patient-centered care approach.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, other department directors, and the general public.

Must be knowledgeable of guidelines pertaining to retirement community administrative procedures.

Must be willing to work harmoniously with other personnel as well as be willing to handle residents based on what ever maturity level at which they are currently functioning.

Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing practices.

Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.

Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions from supervisor and residents.

Must possess ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing proper administrative procedures and maintaining a sound operation.

Maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc., and the appearance of the office by regular inspections and appropriate follow-up actions.

Must be able to relate information concerning resident’s condition if asked.

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

Must have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, family members, physicians, other department directors, government agencies/personnel, and support agencies.

Must be able to work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the community.

Must be able to work extended hours, as necessary.

Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents.