Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) 

It is our goal to provide the finest Orthopaedic care possible. This philosophy requires that all staff be sensitive and responsive to patients’ needs and preferences. To ensure that we hire and retain the quality of staff needed for implementing our philosophy of service, we have adopted the following job description for this position. The position requires the employee to be certified in accordance with the requirements of the state of California. The position requires that the employee be available to provide efficient service according to established schedules. The employee however, will be expected to work no more than five days per week. Many of the responsibilities require that you have a working knowledge of computers and the ability to learn the proper use of the programs utilized by Arrowhead Orthopaedics and other contracted facilities. The hours, pay scale, and benefits will be defined as shall be agreed to.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the supervision of the Director of Rehabilitation, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant shall provide all responsibilities necessary for the successful operation of the Rehabilitation Department for Arrowhead Orthopaedics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Work is primarily performed in the Physical Therapy Department located within one of Arrowhead Orthopaedics offices. There will be contact on a daily basis with confidential files pertaining to patients’ care, and the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant must be able to handle this information with the highest degree of privacy, discretion, and professionalism. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is responsible for accomplishing the duties set forth below

General Activities (There may be other duties required of this position not listed below):

• Demonstrates an understanding of the departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Demonstrates an active working knowledge of the federal, state, local legislation, regulations, policies and procedures that apply to the treatment setting and the occupational therapy practice.
• Complies with the Rehabilitation Department dress code as required.
• Arrives to work promptly and demonstrates good time-management skills.
• Adaptability to new tasks, procedures, and people.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Universal Precaution infection control standards.
• Participates in required educational programs and in-service meetings.
• Demonstrates an active knowledge and use of occupational therapy theories, principles, and evidence based practice.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Participates with occupational therapists in developing individual treatment plans.
• Demonstrates competency in performing functional ability tests.
• Consistently uses and applies appropriate therapeutic techniques as required by each patient individually.
• Examines and treats each patient in accordance with the physician’s referral and/or order and the treatment plan as establish by the occupational therapist.
• Demonstrates the ability to treat effectively and efficiently in a timeline that is consistent with productivity standards.
• Proposes modification of specific intervention procedures to the occupational therapist, as may be appropriate.
• Observes and records the effectiveness of intervention and documents patient’s progress. Communicates level of function/capability to interdisciplinary personnel.
• Maintains timely reporting, documentation, scheduling, and billing functions in accordance with required standards.
• Provides education and training to the patient/family/other medical or nursing personnel in occupational therapy techniques such as, but not limited to, home exercises program, transfers, and activities of daily living.
• Will perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

RELATIONSHIPS:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant should observe and conduct the following relationships:

• The employee shall be responsible directly to the Director of Rehabilitation. The employee shall report to the Director of Rehabilitation and his/her assignees any progress, reports, requests, concerns, problems, and/or expectations in relation to the responsibilities of the position. Such communication may be verbal or written as deemed necessary by the employee or as directed by the Director of Rehabilitation or his/her assignee.
• The employee shall interact with other office and clinical staff in the care setting. Such interactions should be collegial, professional, and contributing to the safety and pleasantness of the work environment.
• The employee shall interact with Doctors, licensed physical therapists, students conducting internships, physical therapy aides, and patients. Such communication should always reflect the commitment of the department to accountable care and customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrates positive interaction with all people and treats them with respect.

• California Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) license 
• CPR certification
• Skill in operating a computer as well as software programs, preferably Outlook and an Electronic Medical Record system.
• Proper phone etiquette and professional communication skills are required.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Always observes and demonstrates good body mechanics and safety precautions at all times, especially during patient care.
• Demonstrates ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Demonstrates ability to push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Certificates, pre-employment requirements:

• Required to submit and obtain a negative result in the pre-employment drug screening.
• Ability to pass a background check.

E-Verify Participation Notice

AO is an E-Verify employer. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified in accordance with applicable federal requirements.