Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides services under the general supervision of the Occupational Therapist, and in accordance with state practice guidelines, including assisting with patient assessment; treating patients, delivering home programs, patient and family instruction, participating in family and team conferences, conducting equipment inventory, maintenance, and orders, and documenting services according to departmental and facility standards.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an occupational therapy assistant curriculum accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Certified with the National Certification Examination of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• A minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience as a certified occupational therapy assistant is preferred.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.

The duties and responsibilities are listed below. It is the expectation of the institution that the employee be able to demonstrate competency in each area. It is the duty of the institution to provide orientation and performance evaluation in each area stated.

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in the ongoing evaluation of patient’s functional status (muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, work capacity, etc.) as delegated by the registered occupational therapist. Participates in the ongoing evaluation of the home environment for hazards or barriers to more independent living as delegated by the registered occupational therapist.
• Participates in teaching new skills or retraining patients in once familiar daily activities that have been lost due to illness or injury, in accordance with organization policy.
• Maintains appropriate clinical records, clinical notes, and reports to the registered occupational therapist any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Submits clinical documentation in accordance with Organization policy.
• Follows treatment program and goals for improved patient function as established by the registered occupational therapist. Documents patient’s response to treatment plan and progress toward established goals.
• Maintains contact/communication with other personnel involved in the patient’s care to promote coordinated, efficient care. Documents such communication in accordance with Organization policy.
• Attends and contributes to in-services, interdisciplinary group, and other meetings as required by Organization policy to ensure comprehensive assessments for the patients of the Organization.
• Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home care services. Consults with the supervising registered occupational therapist and assists with necessary referrals, as appropriate.
• Participates in instructing patient’s family/caregiver and other Organization health care personnel in patient’s treatment regime as delegated by the registered occupational therapist.
• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Is supervised by the registered occupational therapist no less than every thirty days. Documentation in the clinical record will reflect ongoing communication between the registered occupational therapist and certified occupational therapy assistant, the patient’s condition, the patient’s response to services provided by the assistant, any need to change the plan of care, and patient outcomes.