Occupational Therapy Asst

PACS•Rio Vista, CA

About The Position

The Staff Occupational Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Occupational Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The position works under the direction of the Occupational Therapist and supports residents’ treatment, functional independence, safety, and discharge planning. The assistant documents care in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements; maintains a safe treatment environment; and communicates with the supervising therapist and the interdisciplinary care team. The role also contributes to staff training, quality improvement, and rehabilitation program development. The position requires an associate degree from an accredited COTA program and a current state license as an Occupational Therapist Assistant. Continuing education and maintaining the license in good standing are required.

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 effectively present information 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.
State license as an Occupational Therapist Assistant; the license must be maintained in good standing.
Meet continuing education requirements under applicable state practices.
CPR certification if required by licensure.
Ability to stand and walk frequently and sit occasionally; occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed for resident care and equipment use.
Ability to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate objects and equipment, with exertion that may occasionally exceed 100 pounds, frequently exceed 50 pounds, or constantly exceed 20 pounds.
Ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing, and to perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual information.

Nice To Haves

Additional certification as determined appropriate by the 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 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 department equipment problems so equipment 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.
Assist, support, and transport residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.