Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

7d•$5,979 - $7,254•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Therapist II applies professional knowledge to carry out treatment programs established by a therapist. The role assists with designing and performing designated therapy treatments under the direction of a licensed therapist, and supports therapists with initial and periodic evaluations. It supervises therapy activities and staff when therapists are absent, performs monitoring and treatments, provides in-service instruction and completes related duties in conjunction with physical therapy programs. The position also completes documentation and helps fabricate and maintain assistive equipment, including adaptive, orthopedic, and communication equipment. Work is performed under supervision, with limited latitude for independent judgment and initiative. The position is located on the Maximum Security Unit at San Antonio State Hospital. Other duties may include supporting disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activation, potentially at an alternate location or on an alternate shift. The position requires regular attendance; work may include a specific or rotating schedule, extended shifts, and overtime. Flexibility in work hours may be required. The role supports habilitation and therapeutic services by assisting with testing, programming, reporting, individualized program plans, treatment protocols, equipment production and maintenance, treatment planning conferences, staff and patient training, quality activities, and student educational programs. Employees must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.

Requirements

Be a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) able to practice in the State of Texas.
Graduate from a two-year program of study meeting standards of and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical or Occupational Therapy Education.
Knowledge of evaluation, design, and fabrication of assistive, therapeutic, mobility, or communication equipment.
Ability to learn and practice effective team interaction and management skills.
Ability to interact with State Hospital patients in a manner that fosters dignity, trust, and confidence.
Ability to communicate effectively in written, oral, and nonverbal forms with individuals, families, State Hospital staff, and the public.
Ability to teach team members selected treatment or functional activities, including equipment in-services and PNMP procedures.
Ability to implement therapeutic programs and modify treatment within the scope of licensure requirements.
Pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and applicable registry checks.
Be at least 18 years of age for employment at a state-operated facility.
Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
Work schedule may include a specific or rotating shift, extended shifts, overtime, or alternate shift assignments.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with habilitation testing, programming, and reporting of clinical services.
Administer individualized habilitation program plans.
Implement treatment protocols to treat, improve, or maintain patients’ level of function.
Interview individuals and staff and provide therapeutic treatments to patients.
Assist with the production, maintenance, and repair of therapeutic equipment.
Participate in conferences for treatment planning.
Conduct training programs for patients and staff.
Participate in local quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to therapeutic services.
Participate in student internships and other educational programs.
Supervise the work of others and therapy activities and staff when therapists are absent.
Assist staff therapists with initial and periodic evaluations.
Assist in the design and performance of designated therapy treatments under the direction of a licensed therapist.
Perform monitoring, treatments, and in-service instruction in conjunction with physical therapy programs.
Complete appropriate documentation.
Assist with fabrication and maintenance of assistive equipment, including adaptive, orthopedic, and communication equipment.
Participate in disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.
Attend work regularly and perform other duties as assigned.