COTA

Pennant Group•Early, TX

About The Position

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), employed or contracted through the Organization, is responsible to the registered Occupational Therapist for implementing standards of care for occupational therapy services and adhering to the conditions outlined in the Service Agreement. The COTA performs only services planned, delegated, and supervised by the registered Occupational Therapist. The role supports patients’ functional status and independence through delegated evaluations, treatment activities, documentation, communication, and caregiver instruction. The assistant follows the treatment program and goals established by the registered Occupational Therapist and is supervised by that therapist at least every 30 days.

Requirements

Must be licensed where the HHA is located if licensure is required.
Graduation from an OT assistant program accredited by ACOTE of AOTA or a successor organization.
Must be eligible for or have taken the OT assistant certification examination administered by NBCOT.
At least one year of clinical experience as a certified occupational therapy assistant.
Good verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Current CPR certification.
A valid driver’s license and an insured automobile in good working order, in accordance with state or organization requirements.

Responsibilities

Participate, as delegated by the registered Occupational Therapist, in ongoing evaluations of patients’ functional status, including muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, communication skills, self-care ability, and work capacity.
Participate, as delegated, in evaluating home environments for hazards or barriers to independent living.
Teach new skills or retrain patients in daily activities lost due to illness or injury, in accordance with organization policy.
Maintain clinical records, notes, and reports; notify the registered Occupational Therapist of changes in a patient’s condition.
Submit clinical documentation in accordance with organization policy.
Follow the treatment program and goals established by the registered Occupational Therapist, and document patient responses and progress.
Communicate with other personnel involved in patient care to promote coordinated and efficient care, and document communications according to organization policy.
Attend and contribute to in-services, case conferences, and other meetings as required by organization policy.
Identify patient and family or caregiver needs for other home care services; consult with the supervising registered Occupational Therapist and assist with referrals as appropriate.
Instruct patients’ families or caregivers and other Organization health care personnel in the patient’s treatment regimen, as delegated by the registered Occupational Therapist.
Receive supervision from the registered Occupational Therapist no less than every 30 days; ensure clinical records reflect ongoing communication, patient condition and response, possible plan-of-care changes, and outcomes.
Perform other job-related tasks as requested.