Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Home Health

Assisted Home Health & Hospice•Santa Barbara, CA

About The Position

Assisted is seeking a per diem Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for its Home Health Department in Santa Barbara, with approximately 5–10 visits per week. Pay is $46 per visit plus $11 for mileage reimbursement. The COTA provides home health services consistent with the Agency’s mission, vision, and goals. As a member of the home health team, the COTA assists with occupational therapy under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. Services address disabilities, diseases, and other health conditions by developing, improving, or restoring functional daily living skills; compensating for and preventing dysfunction; and minimizing disability. Treatment may include hand therapy, splints, orthotics, and other techniques in accordance with a physician-prescribed written plan of treatment. The COTA also contributes to coordination of patient care. The role involves providing delegated and supervised services, contributing to patient assessment and care planning, communicating about treatment and changes in patient condition, instructing patients and caregivers, and documenting services. The position serves patients within the Agency’s catchment area and requires proof of auto insurance and maintenance of a safe driving record.

Requirements

Current, active California Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
Graduation from an Occupational Therapy Assistant program approved by the Board and successful completion of the examination required by the Board governing occupational therapy assistants.
Core competency per skills checklist.
Visual and hearing acuity.
Ability to communicate verbally clearly.
Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
Proof of auto insurance upon hire and at each renewal, and maintenance of a safe driving record.

Responsibilities

Perform services planned, delegated, and supervised by the Occupational Therapist.
Contribute to the ongoing interdisciplinary assessment of the patient.
Assist with evaluation of the plan of care in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist and in partnership with the patient, representative, and caregivers.
Communicate with the supervising Occupational Therapist, physicians involved in the plan of care, and other appropriate health care professionals about the current plan of care, patient reactions to treatment, and changes in patient condition.
Assess ability or disability; relieve pain; prevent disability or further deformity; develop or improve body skills; and restore function and maintain maximum performance within the patient’s capabilities.
Gather data, administer standardized tests, and report observations to contribute to the evaluation process.
Contribute to preparing, implementing, and documenting treatment and discharge summaries as permitted by the Occupational Therapist.
Instruct patients in the use of OT equipment and aids, including reachers, grab bars, bathing and grooming aids, braces, splints, and prosthetic and orthotic devices.
Participate in teaching and counseling patients, families, and caregivers.
Participate in Agency-sponsored in-service education, utilization review, and team conferences.
Prepare and submit clinical case documentation, including clinical and progress notes, and required payroll information according to Agency policy.
Document each treatment in the patient’s record and notify the supervising Occupational Therapist of changes in the patient’s condition that are inconsistent with planned progress or treatment goals.
Ensure the supervising Occupational Therapist conducts at least weekly review and inspection of all aspects of OT services provided by the COTA.
Supervise OTA students and home health aides providing related tasks, as applicable.
Provide services within the Agency’s catchment area.
Acknowledge patient rights, including privacy and confidentiality.
Maintain a professional appearance and interact with internal and external customers in a positive, professional manner.
Take responsibility for completing tasks, duties, communications, and actions reliably.
Maintain professional growth and development.
Participate in the Agency’s QAPI Program for performance improvement activities.
Abide by Agency policies and procedures and accept other duties as assigned.