Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Long Term Acute Care

About the role

Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

Responsibilities

• Functions under the direct supervision of the Occupational Therapist and as directed by a licensed physician, is responsible for a specific patient's care.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for providing occupational therapy modalities and treatment procedures as determined by a treatment plan established by an Occupational Therapist in order to restore function and prevent disability following patient illness or injury.
• Carries out these responsibilities in accordance with established hospital and departmental policies while maintaining the highest degree of quality patient care.
• Under guidance of supervising OTR/L: Acquires pertinent information and implements comprehensive program using varied techniques and treatment activities; reviews and modifies treatment in response to changing patient needs; identifies equipment and discharge needs.
• Aware of patient injury/diagnosis and takes all necessary precautions for observing indications and contradictions.
• Provides treatment to diverse diagnostic populations and completes supporting documentation according to hospital policy and State Practice Act.
• Observes affect, accomplishment of short and long term goals and recommends change to the supervising OTR/L, if needed.
• Communicates collaborates with support personnel regarding treatment orders as directed by the supervising OTR/L.
• Conducts the class/group situations (stroke, SCI, BI) as appropriate.
• Instructs care giver/family members in home exercise program as related to the patient's functional and self-care status: discusses necessary equipment for the home situation.
• Complies with department, hospital, and regulatory agency guidelines with respect to ethics, legal issues and supervisory relationships.
• Demonstrates professional accountability per AOTA Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Demonstrates appropriate and effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication with team members through the continuum of care.
• Completes timely and accurate documentation, including QI scoring, of patient treatment in the patient medical record as indicated.
• The population is adult and geriatric patients requiring an adult medical rehabilitation program and services.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function of participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate interventions to reduce pain after consulting with supervising OTR/L and makes appropriate physician contact as indicated.
• Protects patient confidentiality in regard to medical, emotional, and social status.
• Keeps the supervising therapist informed of patient's status, problem areas, progress, etc.
• Perceives the existence of problems and notifies supervising therapist for implementation of safe, effective and timely solutions.
• Demonstrates appropriate safety measures when implementing treatment programs.
• Provides input/suggestions for the physical functioning of the department in the areas of equipment management, space utilization, storage, etc.
• Assists in inventory and ordering of supplies and equipment.
• Assists in maintenance of safe, clean work environment.
• Assists in preparation/maintenance of daily treatment schedule.
• Develops home programs and instructs patients in the programs as delegated by the supervising occupational therapist.
• Provides written and updated treatment/coverage programs for days off.
• Performs discharge planning under the direct supervision of the OTR/L (prescriptions, equipment requests, and referrals).
• Reports on patient's status at patient care in team conference when necessary.
• (Team conferences should be attended by the supervising OTR/L and with the COTA in attendance.)
• Assists in program development and preparation to meet regulatory agency standards i.e. Joint Commission, CARF.
• Observes, measures and records the cardiovascular responses of heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
• Plans and presents educational programs for department; hospital and/or community.
• Provides orientation, instruction, supervision and/or guidance to ancillary staff, COTA students, and volunteers.
• May transport patients/equipment to/from therapy gym.
• Uses computer system to assist in preparation/maintenance/printing of work list and entering of charges.
• Utilizes specialized equipment, testing procedures and/or advanced treatment techniques with appropriate competency.

Physical and Safety Requirements

• Good general health and stress coping ability
• Full mobility and ability to participate in vigorous activity
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with all constituents (patients, families, peers, and other healthcare team members)
• Possess near vision acuity for accurate reading of equipment and recording in patient medical record
• Must be physically able to lift, support and move patients.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.