Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of the evaluating occupational therapist, Rehab Supervisor, and the Director of Rehab. The OTA is responsible to organize and conduct medically necessary therapy programs to restore function and prevent disability following disease, injury, or loss of a body part; helps patients reach their maximum performance and assume a place in society while learning to live within any limits for his/her capabilities. He/she is responsible for following a treatment plan focused on patient centered, individualized therapy with focus on delivery of quality, value-based care consistent with CCH’s vision, mission, and values. The OTA seeks professional growth, oversees and participates in the program development for the betterment of patients, department, facility and/or continuum; and attempts to reach or exceed departmental goals for improvement across the healthcare continuum. The OTA practices within the framework of the Wyoming Occupational Therapist Practice Act, American Occupational Therapy Association professional standards, and National Patient Safety Goals.

Under the direction of an Occupational Therapist to carry out rehabilitative activities to help patients develop, regain, or maintain their ability to perform daily activities. Prepares rehab equipment used during treatment and educates the patient on the use of adaptive equipment. Records and documents session notes to maintain accurate patient records in an EMR. Provides routine rehabilitative services and common assessments to patients to support established treatment plans. Requires an associate degree. Requires Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for following the OT’s plan of care, performing interventions to meet the goals of the plan, progressing patients appropriately, and accurately utilizing CPT codes.
• Sees all patients as scheduled and assists with other patient needs throughout the continuum if needed, demonstrating fiscal responsibility, accountability, time management and prioritization skills.
• Completes daily notes with pertinent information, charges, and other paperwork per CCH policy.
• Works scheduled work hours and participates in weekend coverage to meet patient needs, is flexible during times of high and low census and will provide coverage to other CCH service lines as needed.
• Collaborate with the supervising OT in maintaining an up-to-date supervisory form as per the WYOT, and adhering to the statues governing practice of the OTA.
• Provides service excellence to all customers and positive interpersonal relations with all team members.
• Maintains professional standards related to clinical practice, staffing and continuing education.
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment conducive to delivery of quality patient care.
• Must be free from governmental sanctions involving health care and/or financial practices.
• Complies with the hospital’s Corporate Compliance Program including, but not limited to, the Code of Conduct, laws and regulations, and hospital policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned. This list is non-exhaustive.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Education, Training, Experience:
• Education: Graduate of an approved/accredited occupational therapy assistant school.
• Licensure: Must be licensed in, or be eligible to be licensed, in the State of Wyoming. Current license holders must be in good standing with the WYOT.
• Experience: One-year clinical experience preferred.
• Certifications required: see Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification Policy and Certifications/Education Requirements Policy.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• The ability to maintain continuing education requirements and all certifications and licenses as required (e.g. ACLS, PALS, CPI, CPR) to maintain professional license.
• Licensed professionals must strictly adhere to the ethical code of their respective discipline.
• Excellent interpersonal skills needed in dealing with nursing staff, physicians, patients, families, and other members of the health care team.
• Knowledge of basic patient care procedures. Able to think quickly, handle various projects simultaneously with attention to accuracy, prioritization, patient request, detail, memory, problem solving, reasoning, ability to memorize routine assignments, computer mnemonics, all with little or no supervision.
• Ability to explain procedures to patients and speak clearly to communicate with patients, families, physicians, and staff regarding patient’s condition, etc.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions and under stressful conditions.
• Analytical and reasoning skills with a high level of mental concentration and memory.
• Ability to develop positive interactions and solve complex problems in a professional manner under stress with patients, patients’ families, physicians, and staff in order to effectively care for the patients
• Must use good judgment in interpreting patient referrals and performing appropriate occupational therapy procedures.
• Computer Knowledge including the ability to enter material into electronic records. Ability to operate fax, computer, and copy machine to perform the duties of the position.
• The ability to demonstrate knowledge of developmental stages and apply developmental theories/concepts when planning and implementing care for the appropriate age of the patient. Ability to maintain the appropriate level of knowledge and skills.
• Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skill in the following age groups:
• Infant (Neonate to Age 1)
• Pediatric (Age 1-11)
• Adolescent (12-18)
• Adult (19-64)
• Geriatric (Age 65 and older)
• Physical Requirements* and Workplace Environment