Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant will play a crucial role in assisting Occupational Therapists in providing high-quality rehabilitative services to residents, helping them regain independence in activities of daily living and improve their overall quality of life.

Schedule: Part-Time, PRN, Weekdays, Weekends, Days

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

Assist Occupational Therapists in conducting assessments to evaluate residents’ physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning, including their ability to perform activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living.

Implement individualized treatment plans developed by Occupational Therapists, including therapeutic exercises, activities, and interventions aimed at improving residents’ functional abilities and achieving treatment goals.

Provide hands-on assistance and guidance to residents during therapy sessions, ensuring safety, proper technique, and optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Utilize adaptive equipment, assistive devices, and environment modifications to facilitate residents’ participation in therapy activities and enhance their independence in daily tasks.

Document resident progress, treatment interventions, and outcomes accurately and timely in accordance with facility policies and regulatory requirements.

Communicate effectively with Occupational Therapists, nursing staff, and other team members to coordinate care, share information, and promote continuity of services.

Collaborate with residents and their families to establish realistic goals, educate them on therapeutic techniques and strategies, and provide support and encouragement throughout the rehabilitation process.

Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and discharge planning discussions to contribute to resident care planning and goal setting.

Stay current on best practices, evidence-based interventions, and regulatory changes in the field of occupational therapy, participating in continuing education and professional development activities as needed.

Maintain professional licensure and adhere to ethical standards set forth by relevant professional organizations.

Perform all other duties assigned.

Job Qualifications

Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

Current CPR Certification

State licensure or eligibility for licensure as a COTA in the state where work is performed.

Minimum of 1 - 2 years of clinical experience in a skilled nursing facility or similar healthcare setting is preferred.

Strong clinical skills in providing rehabilitative services to individuals with a variety of diagnoses and functional limitations.

Ability to build rapport with residents through a compassionate and caring demeanor.

Commitment to providing high-quality, resident-centered care with empathy and compassion.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with residents, families, and team members.

Physical Requirements

Work performed in a medical setting due to the need to work directly with residents, families, and other team members.

• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, reach, talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, stretch, and twist.
• Required vision includes close, vision, distance, peripheral, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Capability to assist residents with mobility tasks, including transferring them from beds to wheelchairs, assisting with standing or walking, and positioning them for therapy activities.
• May need to lift or maneuver equipment such as therapy mats, adaptive devices or weights.
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness as set forth within the work schedule designated by the department supervisor/manager.
• The job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Capacity to stand for extended periods during therapy sessions and walk or move around the facility to access residents’ rooms and therapy spaces.

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Stamina to work full shifts and perform repetitive tasks throughout the day, including providing therapy to multiple residents and documenting training sessions.

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