Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)- Full Time

PACS•Fountain Valley, CA

About The Position

The Staff Occupational Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Occupational Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The assistant treats residents as directed by the Occupational Therapist, documents care accurately and promptly, and helps maintain a safe treatment environment. The role also includes communication with the supervising therapist and the care team, resident and family education, support for facility training and rehabilitation initiatives, and recommending or facilitating orders for durable medical equipment to support residents’ independence in activities of daily living. The position requires an associate degree from an accredited COTA program, computer proficiency, and a current state license in good standing. The employee must meet applicable continuing education requirements and hold CPR certification if required by licensure. Work involves frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting and varied movements, and lifting or moving residents and equipment. The noise level is usually low to moderate.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited COTA program.
Proficient computer skills, including inputting 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 mathematical 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 under applicable state practices and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting and climbing or other movements as needed, and lifting or moving residents or equipment.
Effective talking and hearing, and the ability to perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual environmental information.

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-services on 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 necessary durable medical equipment to help residents achieve independence in activities of daily living.
Maintain confidentiality of resident 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.