Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Elderwood•City of Niagara Falls, NY

1d•$22 - $31

About The Position

Elderwood at Wheatfield is seeking a full-time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to help residents improve their independence, confidence, and quality of life. Under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the COTA provides skilled treatments that support residents’ ability to perform daily activities and contributes to their progress, comfort, and well-being. The position assists the Director of Occupational Therapy in planning, developing, and carrying out treatment programs and procedures. It also involves documenting resident behavior and progress, maintaining departmental records, participating in care-planning meetings and in-service programs, and helping maintain a safe, supportive therapy environment. The COTA may assist in training and supervising Occupational Therapy Aides and students and performs other duties assigned by the Director of Occupational Therapy. The role requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors. The employee must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English at an intermediate or more advanced level to support safe work and communication. Elderwood at Wheatfield describes its environment as supportive and team-oriented, with a focus on quality care and clinical excellence.

Requirements

Current State Department of Education certification and license to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA); New York State certification is required.
Ability to relate well to individuals and enjoy working within the community.
Tact and diplomacy, with the ability to develop good relationships with individuals, staff, and students.
Ability to inspire and motivate others and create a warm, accepting climate.
Maturity, diplomacy, and the ability to work well with others.
Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.
Ability to supervise departmental staff effectively and ensure high standards of care.
Ability to perform tasks to established standards of excellence.
Willingness to uphold the company’s vision and mission and its core values of Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Excellence, and Reverence for the Individual.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at an intermediate or more advanced level.

Responsibilities

Provide skilled occupational therapy treatments developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Support residents in improving daily living skills, mobility, strength, and coordination.
Build positive relationships with residents and motivate and encourage their progress.
Observe and report resident performance and progress to the Occupational Therapist.
Assist with modifying treatment plans based on resident needs.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation according to facility standards.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support resident outcomes.
Help create a supportive, safe, and engaging therapy environment.
Assist the Director of Occupational Therapy in planning, developing, and carrying out treatment programs and procedures.
Help create group therapy programs that are mentally and physically stimulating; prepare and present appropriate individual and group projects for people with varied needs and disabilities.
Write observations of individuals’ behavior and progress in Progress Notes.
Maintain attendance records and departmental reports, and enter treatment records in Medical Record Charts.
Assist the Director of Occupational Therapy in training and supervising Occupational Therapy Aides and students assigned for clinical experience.
Attend Care Planning and Family Care Plan review meetings.
Assist with departmental in-service programs upon request; attend required in-service training and departmental meetings.
Complete MDS+ assessment forms as required.
Inventory supplies and help keep the area orderly and equipment sanitized daily.
Generate and develop ideas to improve quality of care or increase job productivity and satisfaction.
Perform other duties assigned by the Director of Occupational Therapy.
Perform job duties according to applicable safety rules and practices to help ensure the safety of staff, residents, and visitors.
Perform assigned duties according to service excellence standards and goals established for the position and facility.