Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant I

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) provides services under the supervision and direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) in accordance with the scope of the profession, the State Practice Act, Licensure, and policies of UnityPoint Health to promote client participation in their everyday life occupations, specific to their age, context and life situation. The COTA is responsible for performing therapeutic interventions and contribute toward assessment as part of the Occupational Therapy plan of care. The COTA uses their knowledge and skills, including therapeutic use of self, to help patients conduct or resume daily life occupations that support function and health throughout the lifespan in accordance with the treatment plan prescribed by the OT. The focus is on occupations/activities that are meaningful to the patient involving emotional, psychosocial, cognitive and physical aspects of performance in occupation or development. The COTA is responsible for accurate documentation and billing as well as maintaining communication with the OT, referring providers and teammates, as ethically appropriate, to inform a plan of care best suited for the environment in which care is provided. (ie: acute hospital, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, in the home, etc.).

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Clinical Excellence/Patient Care

• Administers patient/client interventions as directed and supervised by a licensed Occupational Therapist in accordance with State of Iowa law.
• Provides patient and family education and training
• Completes required patient care documentation and communication.
• Collaborates with hospital departments and community agencies to deliver coordinated patient care
• Meets department productivity standards
• Maintains a safe and orderly work environment

Program and professional development

• Provides clinical supervision of students
• Facilitates orderly department functioning
• Participates in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and hospital meetings
• Participates in interdisciplinary task forces and committees
• Participates in performance improvement activities
• Contributes to program development
• Participates in hospital and department provided in-services and community education
• Participates in development and education of colleagues
• Promotes a greater understanding of rehabilitation and of Occupational Therapy in the hospital and community
• Assumes responsibility forown professional growth and development in clinical practice, regulatory and fiscal issues

Basic UPH Performance Criteria

• Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.
• Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, CARF, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff.Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

• Meets educational requiremnts for obtaining professional license as a Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Current licensure in good standing to practice as an Occupational Therapist Assistant in the State of Iowa
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certificaiton or obtain withine three (3) months from date of hire.