Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) - Full Time

PACS

About The Position

The Staff Occupational Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Occupational Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The position treats residents as directed by the Occupational Therapist, documents care in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements, and helps maintain a safe treatment environment. The assistant communicates with the supervising occupational therapist and the interdisciplinary team about resident progress, goals, and discharge planning; educates residents, families, and caregivers; and contributes to rehabilitation program activities and quality improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited COTA program.
Proficiency with computer skills, including entering data into Net Health and Point Click Care.
Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Licensed as an Occupational Therapist Assistant in the state.
Meet continuing education requirements for state practice and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
CPR certification if required by licensure.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including frequent standing and walking; occasional sitting and other movements; lifting and manipulating residents, objects, or equipment; and assisting, supporting, and transporting residents using safe handling practices.
Ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing, and perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual environmental cues.

Nice To Haves

Additional certification as appropriate per facility.

Responsibilities

Treat residents as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
Participate in Resident Care conferences and/or Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
Communicate routinely with the supervising occupational therapist to support timely updates to physicians, nursing staff, the interdisciplinary team, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
Provide in-service training programs for other facility staff as needed.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate ordering durable medical equipment to support residents’ independence in activities of daily living, such as adaptive equipment, splints, assistive devices, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
Maintain confidentiality of residents’ and company information.
Report problems with department equipment so it can be maintained in good working order.
Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.