OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT- FT

Progressive Rehab Solutions•Leesville, LA

About The Position

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) assists an Occupational Therapist in providing occupational therapy services in a long-term care or related clinical setting. The role supports patient rehabilitation by carrying out treatment plans established by the Occupational Therapist to improve mobility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and functional independence. Services may include gait and transfer training, therapeutic exercises, use of assistive devices, and education for patients and caregivers on prescribed exercises and safety techniques. The assistant completes accurate, timely clinical documentation in accordance with Medicare, regulatory, and company guidelines; uses electronic documentation systems; helps maintain therapy equipment and treatment areas; and supports accurate recordkeeping, patient satisfaction, quality outcomes, and productivity standards. The role communicates patient progress to the supervising Occupational Therapist, collaborates with interdisciplinary team members, and participates in required team meetings. It also requires maintaining licensure and regulatory compliance, participating in continuing education and training, and supporting evidence-based practice. The position is based in a long-term care or clinical setting and may involve travel to long-term care, short-term care, and private homes. The employee must be able to access buildings and provide care in patients’ existing spaces. Environmental conditions may vary during travel, with occasional movement between patient areas or facilities. Employees are expected to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation; accommodation requests may be directed to Human Resources.

Requirements

Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program; the posting also describes an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program as required.
Current state licensure to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, maintained in good standing.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Effective verbal and written communication.
Critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Time-management and organizational skills.
Active listening and adaptability.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to assist patients with mobility, transfers, and ambulation using appropriate techniques and assistive devices.
Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the workday.
Ability to support or guide patient movement during therapy and occasionally bend, reach, or position patients.
Ability to use proper body mechanics in accordance with safety standards.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience is preferred.
Previous experience in occupational therapy or rehabilitation is preferred.

Responsibilities

Carry out individual or group treatment plans established by the Occupational Therapist.
Assist patients in improving mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and endurance.
Provide gait training, transfer training, and therapeutic exercise programs.
Assist patients with walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices.
Educate patients and caregivers on prescribed exercises and safety techniques.
Complete clinical documentation accurately and promptly in accordance with Medicare, regulatory, and company guidelines.
Use electronic documentation systems and support accurate recordkeeping and reporting.
Prepare and maintain therapy equipment and treatment areas.
Contribute to patient satisfaction, quality outcomes, and established productivity standards.
Communicate patient progress and observations to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and participate in team meetings as required.
Maintain compliance with state licensure and regulatory requirements.
Participate in continuing education and training and support evidence-based practice.