Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (Per Diem)

Position Details: CareLink has per-diem opportunities statewide throughout our contracted SNF and Outpatient Clinics. We serve older adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are seeking flexible candidates who are eager to treat a variety of populations in unique settings. Ask about our travel compensation!

Position Overview: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is responsible for delivering and supporting the therapeutic programs (within the parameters of training and expertise) designed and established by the Occupational Therapist. Responsible for implementing specifically prescribed occupational therapy programs for individuals and groups as designed by Occupational Therapist. Responsible for documentation of these treatments, recording patient status, treatment response, changes noted and patient/family education.

Primary Responsibilities:

PATIENT CARE: Fulfill all job functions of a staff Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant within scope of practice.

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Assists the Occupational Therapist in overall assessment of the patient. Assists in the implementation of patient treatment.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND ORGANIZATIONAL DUITES: Has a working knowledge of job duties and departmental policies and procedures. Incorporates policies and procedures into the daily routine, referring to policies and procedures manual as necessary. Makes recommendations for changes. Independently organizes a schedule that reflects patient care priorities and facility needs and responsibilities. Carries a caseload that reflects the facilities productivity standards. Uses appropriate written communication. Participates in departmental administration. Participates in quality improvement programs. Ensures that equipment is in working condition and meets departmental standards prior to patient’s treatment. Reports defective equipment to supervisor promptly. Uses facility equipment and supplies in a cost-effective and respectful manner. Maintains a clean work environment.

EQUIPMENT – CLINICAL: Must be able to operate in the area of practice; apply indications and contraindications according to patient diagnosis and standard operating procedures.

EDUCATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Teaching staff, patients, families and students. Identifies own learning needs and seeks out educational experiences to meet those needs.

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR: Demonstrates appropriate verbal communication. Follows directions given by Occupational Therapist and/or other supervisors and asks questions at an appropriate time and place. Is receptive to constructive feedback regarding performance. Uses appropriate channels of communication and assumes responsibility for securing a satisfactory response. Disposition, temperament and reactions are consistent with the philosophy that the patient’s welfare is the prime objective. Demonstrates a willingness to meet departmental needs, weekend rotation, coverage and schedule changes when needed. Actively participates in finding solutions to identified problems.

Physical Requirements:

· Visual Acuity – average acuity acceptable. Must be able to use visually oriented office/medical equipment. Must be able to read and complete forms. Must be able to visually assess patient status and response to treatment.

· Auditory Acuity – average acuity acceptable. Must be able to communicate person to person and via telephone.

· Hand and Eye Coordination – average coordination acceptable. Must be able to deliver patient care and adequately manipulate equipment as it relates to Rehab services. Must be able to perform basic office tasks such as writing and computer equipment.

· Hand Dexterity – average dexterity acceptable. Must be able to adequately perform hand movements in the categories as follows: fine/gross manipulation, simple/firm grasping.

· Full Body Mobility – ability to work at a fast pace. Must be able to maneuver upper body adequately in order to lift one to twenty-five (25) pounds on a regular basis from floor to waist; from waist to shoulder and up to ten (10) pounds from shoulder overhead. Ability to carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds with assistance as needed. Occasional bends and twists, 30% standing, 30% walking, 38% sitting and 2% climbing, kneeling and crawling. Must be able to move/mobilize a varying population including 20% obese. Must be able to balance on legs. Must know limits to physical strength and secure and direct assistance when needed. Must demonstrate good body mechanics at all times.

· Follow Through – must be able to follow verbal and written instructions.

· Safety – may not pose a threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace.

· Working Conditions – works indoors in a temperature controlled environment on a carpeted and/or tiled work surface. May be exposed to occasional slippery floors, objects on floors, chemicals and sharp objects. May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases. May be subjected to stressful situations.

Performance Skills:

· Commitment to providing high quality health care services

· Attention to detail

· Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills

· Ability to problem solve

· Customer service focus

· Willingness to learn

· Situation-appropriate sense of urgency, prioritization skills, follow through and sense of task ownership

Education/Experience Required:

· Graduate of an accredited 2 year Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

· Valid Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant license in the state(s) where services are rendered.