Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) / Activity Professional - Gracedale Nursing Home

Northampton County•Nazareth, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) / Activity Professional assists the Life Enrichment Director in the organization, direction, and implementation of activities for all residents at Gracedale Nursing Home. The individual in this position is responsible for practicing ethical and professional behaviors related to the field of Life Enrichment, and for meeting the interests and physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of all residents.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy, or an alternative degree with major course work in the field of recreation or occupational therapy; OR The possession of an Activity Professional Certification such as Activity Directors Certification (ADC) or Activity Professional Certified (APC);
At least one (1) year of satisfactory full-time professional experience in providing therapeutic recreation services in a long-term patient care facility;
All employees of Gracedale Nursing Home will be required to attend Feeding Program training;
Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license.
Must have an acceptable driving record.
Thorough knowledge of goals, objectives, principles, and practices pertaining to life enrichment in long term care.
Thorough knowledge of life enrichment methods and techniques applicable to individuals in an inpatient nursing facility.
Thorough knowledge of physical, mental, emotional, and other factors affecting geriatric patients’ needs, interests, and capacities.
Thorough knowledge of governmental regulations and requirements governing life enrichment.
Thorough knowledge of the organization, functions, and operations commonly found in inpatient care facilities and their relationship to the administration of life enrichment services.
Ability to plan and assign the work of lower-level staff members and volunteers engaged in providing life enrichment services.
Ability to assess individual patient needs, design activity plans which address those needs, and coordinate efforts with medical, social, and other care.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of social, community and other organizations, and residents including securing their participation in life enrichment activities.
Ability to operate a computer to enter information into established programs and produce finished copy.
Ability to maintain records of activities and prepare reports of same.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes, and implements all scheduled activities, including workshops, trips, social/special events, and religious activities.
Maintains supplies and equipment, prepares and completes projects, and adapts activities to meet residents’ needs.
Responsibilities on assigned units include: initial evaluations, documentation of attendance and status through progress notes, total plans of care goals, and conducting life enrichment programs.
Participates in departmental meetings, interdisciplinary patient care plan meetings, and in-services.
Cooperates and maintains good working relationships with other staff members and volunteers.
Operates Life Enrichment Department equipment including large screen television, VCR, iPad, DVD player, CD player, computer, cell phone, van, and bus.
Responsible for the transportation of residents to and from activity programs.
Responsible for remaining alert to the mental and physical needs of all residents during activities.
Must recognize residents’ limitations, and report any problems to the immediate supervisor.
Assists with staff orientation, as needed.