Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - PRN

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) PRN position, Home Health as needed.

Supervised by: Staff Occupational Therapist

Job Summary

Works under the direct supervision of occupational therapists to provide physical rehabilitation to injured or diseased patients. Administers treatment plans for patients created by occupational therapists. Assists with restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. Participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas

• Basic knowledge of physical medicine, occupational therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
• Demonstrates knowledge of occupational therapy modalities.
• Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the Occupational Therapist. Adheres to standards of occupational medicine practice.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, discusses observations with Occupational Therapist.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Assists the Occupational Therapist with the formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning; family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Monitors patient activities to ensure they are performed properly, while also providing encouragement
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, hospital staff and members of the department.
• Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient’s needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Assists in ordering supplies, maintains adequate PAR levels to assure all supplies and equipment is readily available.
• Participates in all infection prevention and control, departmental equipment training and organizational safety and fire safety programs.

Professional Requirements

• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual education requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Completes inservices and returns in a timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and department inservices, as scheduled.
• Attends 12 staff meetings annually, or reads and returns all staff meeting minutes.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.

Requirements

Regulatory Requirements

• AA degree from a school or college approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Holds current certificate/licensure as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Current BLS certification.

Language Skills

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.

Skills

• Basic computer knowledge.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift/transfer patients and equipment. Frequent and prolonged bending, stooping, couching, walking, and standing. Ability to communicate.
• This position is a safety sensitive position pursuant to Amendment 98 to the Arkansas Constitution § 2(25). A safety sensitive position means any position in which a person performing the position while under the influence of marijuana may constitute a threat to health or safety. This position is therefore “safety sensitive” due to the fact it requires the following: performing life-threatening procedures; working with hazardous or flammable materials, controlled substances, food, or medicine; and a lapse of attention while working in this position could result in injury, illness, or death.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.