PRN Home Health Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA

Position Purpose

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant helps in the creation of a plan of care for a patient. Their responsibilities are to focus on rehabilitation in a home environment, helping patients through illness as they work their way back to daily life. Their duties are to assist an occupational therapist in their rehabilitation plan for a patient such as neurological, musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and cardio-pulmonary impairments; fine motor, sensory motor, and developmental delays; as well as traumatic injuries and swallowing disorders. This includes patient and caregiver education; discharge planning; and consultation to other professionals, clinics, or agencies.

Essential Functions

• Affords assistance to the occupational therapist in assessing the level of function of the patient.
• Performs all skilled procedures as ordered by the physician and according to the plan of care established by the OT.
• Prepares clinical and progress notes in a timely manner per Agency policy.
• Helps OT develop the plan of treatment (revising as necessary).
• Consults with OT regarding change in treatment.
• Participates with all other home care personnel in patient care planning.
• Advises and consults with the family and other agency personnel.
• Observes, records, and reports any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Educates the patient/family and agency personnel in the use of equipment, home therapy programs, and activities of daily living.
• Assists with the rehabilitation of patients according to the plan of care.
• Participates in case conferences and in-services.
• Communicates effectively with all care providers, staff, patient/family and caregivers. Ensures quality care.
• Confirms on a weekly basis the scheduling of visits with the occupational therapist to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel.
• Planning Discharge.
• Educate patients and/or families about proper safe use and recommend methods for installation of adaptive equipment.

Knowledge & Experience

• Currently licensed by the Oklahoma Medical Board as an Occupational Therapy Assistant- no disciplinary action taken.
• PREFERRED: Member of NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy)
• Minimum of 2 years of Home Health experience
• BLS certification
• Active drivers license and car insurance.
• Medical knowledge, patience, compassion, kindness, critical thinking skills, knowledge of infection control practices, stamina, and physical endurance, observational skills, knowledge of occupational hazards and safety rules, communication skills, leadership, empathy

Physical Requirements

• Moderately heavy physical exertion on a regular and recurring basis such as: extensive driving, assisting patient in transfer activities (wheelchair, to bed, to tub, to commode) and providing substantial support to individuals in ambulation.
• Regularly uses hands to finger, to handle or feel, and talk or hear.
• Frequently stands; walks; reaches with hands and arms; stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls.
• Sometimes sits.
• Occasionally lifts and/or moves over 100 pounds.

Working Conditions

• General office, patient home setting, exposure to infectious diseases, automobile.