Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Veritas Skilled Nursing Management•Lone Tree, CO

17d•$34 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) provides direct rehabilitation care in occupational therapy to patients upon physician referral and under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. This role involves working closely with patients, family members, and other care team members to plan for patient needs, including short-term and long-term goals. The COTA monitors patient movements to ensure proper execution and prevent further injury, communicates effectively with supervisors and team members regarding patient progress, and charts appropriately and timely. The position also assists the Occupational Therapist in patient development, recovery, and improving skills for daily functionalities, requiring dependability and regular attendance. Good body mechanics must be utilized at all times, and independent decisions should be made when circumstances warrant.

Requirements

Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public
Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle patients based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning
Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing services
Must be able to relate information concerning a patient’s condition
Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace
Must be able to move continuously throughout the work day
Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position
Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met
Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with patients, personnel and support agencies
Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility
Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds.
Requires pushing, pulling, lifting, kneeling, squatting, crawling, stooping, bending, walking and the ability move freely from one position to another
May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations
Current COTA License
CPR/BLS Certification

Responsibilities

Follow the treatment plan for patients under the direction of the supervising OT
Work closely with patients, family members and other care team members to adequately plan for patient needs, to include short term and long term goals
Verify patient information and confirm purpose of treatment
Monitor each movement to ensure the patient is performing them properly to avoid new/further injuries
Effectively communicate with supervisor and other health team members regarding patient progress, barriers, and treatment plans
Chart appropriately and timely
Assist the Occupational Therapist in patient development, recovery, and improving skills needed for daily functionalities
Must demonstrate dependability and regular attendance
Must utilize good body mechanics at all times
Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actions
Maintain an excellent working relationship within the Therapy team and cross functionally
Report occupational exposures of blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents
Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the facility
Attend and participate in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain any applicable licenses
Attend meetings and in-services as required
Complete assigned Relias training timely
Recommend to the DOR equipment and supply needs for the department
Make periodic rounds to check equipment and to assure that necessary equipment is available and working properly
Clean equipment
Check supply rooms to assure that needed supplies are on hand
Ensure that all therapy equipment is operating in a safe manner
Ensure that therapy supplies are used in an efficient manner to avoid waste
Ensure that appropriate cleaning supplies are on hand to perform necessary clean-up
May assist in the development of preliminary and comprehensive assessments of the therapy needs of each patient
Develop and maintain a good rapport with all services involved with the care plan to ensure that a team effort is achieved in developing a comprehensive plan of care
Maintain the confidentiality of all patient care information
Know and practice the Center’s policy on patient/residents rights
Be sure that appropriate protective clothing/devices are on hand and used for handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids
Flexibility with schedule to cover the needs of the department