Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant COTA

Job Requirements

• Credentialed graduate of an accredited two-year Occupational Therapist Assistant program and certified according to national requirements.
• Licensed in the state where practicing if required.
• Prior experience preferred.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Aid in administering programs involving functional skills including activities of daily, pre-vocational, vocational homemaking skills.
• Instruct, motivate and assist patients/residents in learning and improving functional skills.
• Observe patients/residents during treatments and compile data on responses to treatments and progress.
• Report orally or in writing to supervising occupational therapist.
• Assist in evaluating patient/resident daily living skills and capacities to determine the extent of abilities and limitations.
• Design and adapt equipment and working/living environment.
• Assist in instructing patient/residents and family in home programs as well as care and use of adaptive equipment.
• Document patient/resident progress toward established goals.
• Establish and maintain good public relations with patients/residents, families, and other center guests.
• Show empathy toward patients/residents as needed.
• Adhere to requirements of resident/patient Bill of Rights.
• Follow established infection control precautions; adhere to Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions, following policy and center specific infection control policies and procedures.
• Observe safety needs of patients/residents. Identify safety and security hazards and report to appropriate personnel after ensuring patient/resident is out of immediate danger.
• Aid in maintaining supplies and equipment.
• Maintain billing records.
• Follow policies and procedures related to body mechanics, transfer, body positioning and mobility as outlined in the Nursing Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Attend seminars and other educational programs related to occupational therapy as required to maintain active licensure status.
• Participate in scheduled in-service programs and staff meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality of necessary information.
• Utilize supplies and equipment properly and without waste.
• Perform any miscellaneous work assignments as may be required.