Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

PACS

4d•$35 - $40

About The Position

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant assists the Staff Occupational Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The role provides treatment as directed by the Occupational Therapist and supports residents’ independence, rehabilitation goals, and discharge planning. It also involves accurate and compliant documentation, maintaining a safe treatment environment, communicating with the supervising therapist and care team, educating residents and caregivers, and supporting facility rehabilitation and quality-improvement efforts. The position requires an associate degree from an accredited COTA program, state licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, and proficiency with computer programs such as Net Health and Point Click Care. The employee must meet state continuing education requirements and maintain an active license in good standing. CPR certification is required if applicable under licensure requirements. The role involves frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting, and other physical activities needed to provide resident care and operate equipment. It may require moving residents or equipment with exertion that occasionally exceeds 100 pounds, frequently exceeds 50 pounds, or constantly exceeds 20 pounds. The work environment is typically low to moderate in noise.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited COTA program.
Proficiency with computer skills, including entering data into programs such as Net Health and Point Click Care.
Licensed as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the state.
Meet continuing education requirements under state practices and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.
Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to perform the physical functions described, including assisting, supporting, and transporting residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.

Responsibilities

Treat residents as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
Participate in Resident Care conferences and/or Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
Communicate routinely with the supervising occupational therapist to provide timely updates to physicians, nursing staff, the interdisciplinary team, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
Provide in-services on training programs for other facility staff as needed.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate ordering necessary durable medical equipment to support residents’ independence in activities of daily living.
Maintain confidentiality of residents’ and company information.
Report problems with department equipment so it can be maintained in good working order.
Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.