Certified Occupational Therapeutic Assistant- New Position

St. John's Senior Servi•Rochester, NY

About The Position

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. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 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 OT 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 DOCUMENTATION & COMPLIANCE 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 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

Requirements

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
Strong knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques
Ability to follow treatment plans and work under supervision
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong documentation and organizational skills
Ability to work effectively with diverse patient populations
Ability to lift, transfer, and assist patients as needed
Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and reaching
Manual dexterity to handle therapy equipment

Nice To Haves

Experience in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or long-term care preferred
New graduates encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

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 OT
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
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
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
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