Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant will play a crucial role in assisting Occupational Therapists in providing high-quality rehabilitative services to residents, helping them regain independence in activities of daily living and improve their overall quality of life.

Reports to: Director of Rehabilitation

Schedule: Part-Time, Weekdays, Weekends (As Needed), 8 Hour Shifts

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assist Occupational Therapists in conducting assessments to evaluate residents’ physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning, including their ability to perform activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living.
• Implement individualized treatment plans developed by Occupational Therapists, including therapeutic exercises, activities, and interventions aimed at improving residents’ functional abilities and achieving treatment goals.
• Provide hands-on assistance and guidance to residents during therapy sessions, ensuring safety, proper technique, and optimal therapeutic outcomes.
• Utilize adaptive equipment, assistive devices, and environment modifications to facilitate residents’ participation in therapy activities and enhance their independence in daily tasks.
• Document resident progress, treatment interventions, and outcomes accurately and timely in accordance with facility policies and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate effectively with Occupational Therapists, nursing staff, and other team members to coordinate care, share information, and promote continuity of services.
• Collaborate with residents and their families to establish realistic goals, educate them on therapeutic techniques and strategies, and provide support and encouragement throughout the rehabilitation process.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and discharge planning discussions to contribute to resident care planning and goal setting.
• Stay current on best practices, evidence-based interventions, and regulatory changes in the field of occupational therapy, participating in continuing education and professional development activities as needed.
• Maintain professional licensure and adhere to ethical standards set forth by relevant professional organizations.
• Perform all other duties assigned.

Job Qualifications:

• Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• State licensure or eligibility for licensure as a COTA in the state where work is performed.
• Clinical experience in a skilled nursing facility or similar healthcare setting is preferred.
• Strong clinical skills in providing rehabilitative services to individuals with a variety of diagnoses and functional limitations.
• Ability to build rapport with residents through a compassionate and caring demeanor.
• Commitment to providing high-quality, resident-centered care with empathy and compassion.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with residents, families, and team members.
• CPR Certification.
• 1 year experience preferred, new grads and no experience also welcome to apply.

Physical Requirements:

• Work performed in a medical setting due to the need to work directly with residents, families, and other team members.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, reach, talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, stretch, and twist.
• Required vision includes close, vision, distance, peripheral, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Capability to assist residents with mobility tasks, including transferring them from beds to wheelchairs, assisting with standing or walking, and positioning them for therapy activities.
  • May need to lift or maneuver equipment such as therapy mats, adaptive devices or weights.
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness as set forth within the work schedule designated by the department supervisor/manager.
• The job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• Capacity to stand for extended periods during therapy sessions and walk or move around the facility to access residents’ rooms and therapy spaces.
• The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Stamina to work full shifts and perform repetitive tasks throughout the day, including providing therapy to multiple residents and documenting training sessions.

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