Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Title Code: COTA

FLSA: Nonexempt

Position Purpose

The Occupational Therapist Assistant will help occupational therapists provide Occupational Therapy treatments and procedures. The Occupational Therapist Assistant may, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments.

Essential Job Functions – Principal Accountabilities

• Works with occupational therapists to plan, implement, and administer educational, vocational, and recreational programs to restore and enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments. Selects therapy activities to fit patients’ needs and capabilities. Observes and records patients’ progress, attitudes, and behavior, and maintains this information in client records.
• Communicates and collaborates with other health care professionals involved with the care of a patient.
• Instructs or assists in instructing patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, and the care and use of adaptive equipment. Implements or assists occupational therapists with implementing treatment plans to help clients function independently.
• Evaluates daily living skills and capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients. Aids patients in dressing and grooming.
• Assembles, cleans, and maintains equipment and materials for patient use.
• Alters treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
• Demonstrates therapy techniques such as manual and creative arts or games.
• Teaches patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
• Transports patients to and from the Occupational Therapy work area.
• Attends care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.
  

Other Job Functions

• Performs clerical duties such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, and documenting health insurance billings.
• Orders educational and treatment supplies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• General understanding of Occupational Therapy and medical terminology.
• Strong patient care skills.
• Oral and written communication skills
• Critical thinking and complex problem solving skills
• Customer service skills
• Must display professionalism, initiative, positive attitude, and concern for others
• Must be stress tolerant, self-motivated, cooperative, team-oriented, and dependable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  

Physical Demands/Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Stand, traverse, ascend/descend stairs, move/transport residents weighing over 100 pounds, transport tools/equipment, grasp and manipulate tools/equipment to set up. Occasionally move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Move resident as necessary, stretch, bend, stoop, squat, twist, crouch, kneel, and balance to properly position resident for therapy/exercise.
• Visually observe resident movement and placement.
• Detect alarms/messages.
• Operate computer, read, remain in a stationary position, converse with others.
• Legibly complete forms; perform data entry of information. Remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Converse with others, write legibly, read and comprehend written/verbal information. Communicate instructions or demonstrate tasks.
• Lift and carry up to 35 pounds frequently; up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Stand and walk frequently, sit for extended periods; simple grasp; fine hand manipulation; near vision; far vision; hear conversation; speak
  

Minimum Requirements

Education: Graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is required.

Experience: 2 months of supervised fieldwork experience at a recognized educational institution or a training program approved by the education institution where candidate met the academic requirements.

Certification/License: Florida Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) license in good standing is required. Candidates are required to attain and maintain CPR certification within 90 days after hire. State background check standards must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.