Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides services under the general supervision of the Occupational Therapist, and in accordance with state practice guidelines, including assisting with patient assessment; treating patients, delivering home programs, patient and family instruction, participating in family and team conferences, conducting equipment inventory, maintenance, and orders, and documenting services according to departmental and facility standards. This position does provide direct patient care to, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
This position requires graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program, and certification (or eligibility) by NBCOT; eligibility for State
O.T. licensure.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assists the OTR in patient evaluations and development of a plan of care as appropriate.
2. Provides therapeutic treatment in accordance with the established plan of care.
3. Documents treatment provided including reason for skilled intervention, observation, recording and reporting patient status and response to treatment.
4. Records patient treatments accurately on procedure records (billing forms) as required.
5. Maintains appropriate patient schedule as per established guidelines.
6. Follows administrative policies and procedures related to emergency procedures, infection control and safety.
7. Participates in meetings, staff training, continuous quality improvement activities as directed.
8. Perform resident screening in accordance with the rules of applicable state practice act.
9. Performs other related duties as required.
DEMANDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK, EQUIPMENT USAGE, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT.
PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME
1-33%
34-66%
67-100%
1. Standing/Walking
X
2. Sitting
X
3. Twisting
X
4. Lifting/Carrying
X
5. Pushing/Pulling
X
6. Climbing (Ascending/descending)
X
7. Bending/Stooping
X
8. Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods.
X
9. Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods.
X
10. Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods.
X
LIFTING REQUIREMENTS - Individuals in patient care positions are required to lift a patient with or without assistance.
1. 2-10 Pounds
X
2. 11-20 Pounds
X
3. 21-30 Pounds
X
4. 31-40 Pounds
X
5. 41-50 Pounds
X
6. 51 Pounds or More
X
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
1. Working in hot, cold, wet surroundings
X
2. Working outdoors
X
3. Working with or near chemicals
X
4. Working near radiation sources
X
5. Potential exposure to communicable diseases
X
6. Working with hazardous waste materials
X
7. Utilizing essential upgraded or adaptive equipment as industry standards require
X
8. Using hand tools
X
9. Operating vehicle
X
10. Potential for cuts and bruises
X
EXCHANGE OF IDEAS
1. Ability to express or exchange ideas.
X
2. Ability to understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices.
X
3. Ability to perform basic math.
X
4. Ability to read at an elementary level.
X
WORK PLACE BEHAVIORS
RESULTS ORIENTATION- Meets current objectives and positions the organization for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of the department.
I. SOCIAL SENSITIVITY- Builds positive relationships based on respect for others. Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude. Maintains effective communication with peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families.
II. QUALITY OUTCOMES- Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and external customers. All organizational and departmental standards regarding quality of performance are met. Demonstrates a strong commitment to confidentiality. Participates in quality improvement programs as directed.
III. SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT- Demonstrates an awareness of and adherence to safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an emphasis on maintaining a safe environment for all persons working in the facility.
A. Accident/Injury Reporting- Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports any pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA.
B. Unsafe Conditions- Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe conditions or equipment.
C. Workplace Standards- Compiles with relevant regulations, standards and policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, JCAHO, etc.)
D. Safety Techniques- Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the facility's safety program by attending safety-related training as mandated upon hire and thereafter as required by facility.
E. Modified Work- Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the physician's release to return to work following an accident/ injury.
F. Follows Prescribed/Recommended Treatment- Follows the prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after an accident/injury.
IV. EDUCATION- Participates in required inservice and educational programs on an ongoing basis.
V. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY- Follows all facility guidelines outlining standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for reporting to and completing work at assigned times.