PACE Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

San Ysidro Health•Vista, CA

32d•$34 - $44

About The Position

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) implements occupational therapy programs under the supervision and direction of an Occupational Therapist for PACE participants, including the center’s geriatric population. The role helps participants remain independent and live safely in the community by carrying out individualized and group treatments and supporting restoration, reinforcement, and enhancement of independence and productivity following illness or injury. The COTA implements individualized plans of care, monitors treatment effectiveness, recommends changes to treatments or goals, guides patients and caregivers in using adaptive devices and therapeutic, creative, and self-care activities, and documents treatments in patient health records. The position also helps maintain therapy equipment and supplies, contributes to staff and caregiver training, and follows applicable regulatory requirements, departmental policies, safety standards, and infection-control standards. The role requires the ability to perform maximum-assistance transfers and to meet the physical demands of the work, including standing for long periods, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, and occasionally lifting heavy objects. The work may involve hazards associated with moving heavy equipment and lifting or assisting patients. Employment is subject to pre-employment documentation, physical examination, background and reference checks, orientation, PPD testing, and compliance with mandated vaccinations and boosters.

Requirements

Certified as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the State of California.
Two years of field experience with the geriatric population beyond completion of degree requirements.
Passing scores on national and state examinations.
Current BLS/CPR certification.
Excellent oral, written, and computer skills.
Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and participate in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team.
Knowledge of principles and methods for treatment and rehabilitation of disabilities and functional impairments.
Ingenuity and imagination in adapting modalities to individual needs.
Familiarity with the Older Americans Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Area Agencies on Aging.
Patience and strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to perform maximum-assistance transfers.
Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods, with occasional lifting of heavy objects.
Commitment to long-term care in a community setting and promoting maximum patient independence and functional ability.
Meet pre-employment requirements, including I-9 documentation, physical examination, background and reference checks, completed application, new-hire orientation, and pre-employment PPDs.
Comply with all mandated vaccinations and boosters as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

Implement individualized and group occupational therapy treatments for PACE patients accessing day services under the direction of the Occupational Therapist.
Implement individualized plans of care to decrease or eliminate disability, maintain or increase independence, and develop function to the maximum level.
Recommend modifications to treatments as needed and evaluate treatment effectiveness, recommending goal changes when appropriate.
Ensure that each individual plan of care is followed.
Guide patients and caregivers in using adaptive devices and therapeutic, creative, and self-care activities to improve function.
Record and sign treatments in patient health records.
Ensure services are provided in a therapeutic setting conducive to restoring patients’ dignity and self-esteem.
Assist the Occupational Therapist in ensuring required equipment and supplies are available or ordered.
Keep current with regulations and standards and ensure compliance with directives from government and regulatory agencies, including PACE, CMS, and DHCS.
Participate in training programs for staff and caregivers.
Maintain and follow departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality-assurance programs, and safety, environmental, and infection-control standards.
Pursue professional growth through educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
Adhere to and model SYHC’s core values and behaviors of Excellence, Empowerment, Integrity, and Respect.
Follow SYHC and PACE attendance and punctuality policies and the schedule established by the Supervisor and/or Center Manager.
Attend required meetings and participate on committees as directed.
Perform maximum-assistance transfers.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.