CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (FULL-TIME)

Position Summary

Responsible for directing, modifying and administering occupational therapy modalities of treatment as supervised by the Occupational Therapist. Administers treatments and physical agents as directed by the Occupational Therapist, after the Occupational Therapist has evaluated the patient.

The C.O.T.A. assists with restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.

The C.O.T.A. participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. Participates in all infection control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the Occupational Therapist. Adheres to standards of occupational medicine practice.

2. Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, discusses observations with Occupational Therapist.

3. Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.

4. Assists with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate, Occupational Therapist is apprised of conclusions.

5. Demonstrates knowledge of occupational therapy modalities.

6. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family.

7. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.

8. Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.

9. Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, facility staff and members of the department.

10. Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient’s needs are met and facility policy is followed.

11. Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.

12. Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.

13. Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.

14. Documentation meets current standards and policies.

15. Assists in ordering supplies, maintains adequate PAR levels to assure all supplies and equipment is readily available.

16. Participates in all infection control, departmental equipment training and organizational safety and fire safety programs.

17. Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.

18. Completes annual educational requirements.

Competencies

1. Maintains current knowledge of hospital policy; JCAHO, federal and state regulations and standards.

2. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.

3. Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work within designated time.

4. Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized punch time system correctly.

5. Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion.

6. Attends annual review and departmental in-services, as scheduled.

7. Attends staff meetings annually; reads and returns all monthly staff meeting minutes.

8. Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.

9. Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.

10. Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

11. Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department.

12. Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.

13. Additional languages preferred.

14. Strong written and verbal skills.

15. Basic computer knowledge.

16. Basic knowledge of physical medicine, occupational therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.

17. Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Requirements

1. Degree from a school or college approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association required.

2. Current certificate as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant required.

3. Current BCLS certification required.