Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Home Health

Description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

General Summary: The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) treats the patient with a specific treatment program designed by the occupational therapist, under the guidance of the occupational therapist and physician. The COTA is also responsible for coordinating any changes in the patient’s condition to the occupational therapist, working toward maximizing the patient’s functional level.  

Patient Population: Has contact with patients in the home setting; understands and demonstrates appropriate behavior when interacting with patients in all populations.   

Essential Functions:

• Promote /exemplify Company mission, vision and values at all times. 
• Treat the patient in accordance with a specific program designed by the occupational therapist and coordinates this with other team members. 
• Provide education and training to patients and family regarding the therapy plan, home exercise program, home safety, and diagnosis/illness.   
• Take measurements related to patient’s condition; reports and coordinates these and any other changes to the supervising occupational therapist. 
• Maintain a level of professionalism consistent with the code of ethics of the AOTA and CCS and reports any unethical situations to the OT Board or appropriate personnel. 
• Provide specific documentation of patient treatment and progress to the occupational therapist and Agency. 
•  Participate in face to face patient conferences with the occupational therapist as required by state regulations. 
• Participate in mandatory case conferences. 
• Completes appropriate documentation in a timely manner to assure compliance with company policy. 
• Demonstrates commitment and professional growth by participating in in-service programs and maintaining/improving competency. 
• Meet mandatory continuing education requirements of the Agency/licensing board. This description is a general statement of required essential functions performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned. Supervises: N/A Experience:  
• Two (2) years experience as a COTA in a clinical care setting.  
• Preferred, home health experience. Skills: 
• Therapy skills as defined as generally accepted standards of practice.  
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.  

Requirements

Experience:

• Two (2) years experience as a COTA in a clinical care setting. 
• Preferred, home health experience.

Skills:

• Therapy skills as defined as generally accepted standards of practice. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively. 
• Demonstrates proven decision-making skills. 
• If required to make visits, Hepatitis profile. 
• Must read, write and comprehend English.

Education:  

• Associate degree from an AOTA accredited school of occupational therapist assistants.

Licensure/Certification:

• Current driver’s license in good standing. It is the responsibility of the employee to renew their driver’s license before it expires to continue employment. 
• Reliable transportation and auto liability insurance.
• Current State professional license as a COTA in any/all applicable states. 
• Current CPR.

On-going employment as a COTA always requires maintenance of a valid COTA license in the state which the therapist practices in and a valid CPR certificate. It is the responsibility of the employee to renew these before they expire to continue employment. 

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged standing/walking required.
• The ability to lift/transfer up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to meet deadlines and patient needs, make quick decisions and allocate resources under stressful conditions.
• Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Works in patient’s home in various conditions.
• Possible exposure to blood borne pathogens, bodily fluids and infectious diseases.
• Some exposure to unpleasant weather; PRN emergency call.
• Ability to travel locally and work a flexible schedule.