Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (52976)

Job DetailsJob Location: Redwood Coast PACE Eureka - Eureka, CA 95501Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $33.99 - $40.59 HourlyJob Shift: DayRedwood Coast PACE with Humboldt Senior Resource Center is looking for a full-time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide care for our participants. Redwood Coast PACE — a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly — is a comprehensive health plan for older adults who wish to remain living in their home and community. We provide medical, social, nutritional, rehabilitation, and support services for eligible adults. At Redwood Coast PACE, the goal is to help people stay as healthy and independent as possible. Because their health is monitored on a regular basis, many PACE participants report fewer health crises and better overall health. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday. JOB SUMMARY: Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) delivers high-quality, participant-centered occupational therapy services to Redwood Coast PACE participants in accordance with established plans of care, regulatory requirements, and professional standards. The COTA supports the implementation of therapeutic interventions designed to enhance participants’ functional abilities, independence, and quality of life across a variety of settings, including the Day Center, participant homes, and agency facilities. This role collaborates closely with the Interdisciplinary Team to monitor participant progress, provide education, and ensure safe, effective, and coordinated care for a frail and elderly population.   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Supports Occupational Therapists in implementation and completion of individual and group treatments as outlined within participant Plans of Care by coordinating and assisting therapy-related initiatives including activities of daily living (ADL), functional mobility, range of motion (ROM), strength, coordination, balance, cognitive/perceptual remediation, and functional maintenance. Counsel participants and their families on Home Exercise Program (HEP) and advice, in general, as made by Occupational Therapist. Provides client and caregiver education regarding safe use of adaptive equipment and strategies to reduce fall risk and enhance independence within the home environment. Travels to participant homes, local hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), and/or Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) to provide therapy services. Participates in the planning and implementation of home and environmental modification interventions under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to support client safety, independence, and participation in daily activities. Collaborates with the supervising Occupational Therapist to implement prescribed environmental modification plans, ensuring services align with established goals and treatment plans. Assists participants attending the Day Center with using equipment in the exercise gym to complete therapy maintenance programs as outlined in participant Plans of Care. Accepts and carries out physical activity/exercise recommendations and referrals from participant medical providers. Prepares participants for therapy treatments by welcoming, comforting, providing, and assisting them with transition from the Day Center to the exercise gym. Helps to relocate participants to other areas of the facility and prepares participants for departure when leaving the Day Center. Assigns specific exercises to participants and ensures that participants practice proper body mechanics during therapy and while using exercise and gym equipment. Ensures participants operate exercise and gym equipment correctly. Maintains awareness and adjusts movement as necessary to accommodate specific participant injuries and/or effects of diseases on body movement during exercise. Fit devices, such as walkers, canes, etc. to participant, and other equipment to help regain movement and reduce pain. Routinely monitors vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse before and after exercise, as necessary. Operates therapeutic ultrasound machine, and other modalities, as appropriate, to improve mobility and decrease pain. Stages the exercise gym as directed by members of the Interdisciplinary Team, and maintains a clean and sanitary environment in the exercise gym at all times. Provides equipment and supplies to other areas of the facility upon request. Sterilizes and delivers equipment and supplies to various therapy areas where therapy may be staged. Records and assists Occupational Therapists during participant assessments. Immediately reports any observed changes in participant behavior, health, or mobility to the nursing team and other members of the Interdisciplinary Team as needed. Complies with safety policies and procedures, identifying and immediately reporting any potential or actual unsafe acts or conditions per the policies and procedures. Takes necessary measures to ensure a safety environment for oneself, co-workers, contractors, participants, visitors and others. Monitors personal safety and attends to good body mechanics. Ensures infection and exposure control and is prepared in case of emergency.  Participates on the Interdisciplinary Team as required and communicates effectively with participants, family members, caregivers, employees, and visitors. Maintains accurate, timely, and complete participant records including progress in Personal Exercise Plan (PEP), charting daily participant attendance, encounters, and charge tickets, as well as completing documentation in medical tracking platforms. Ensures participant records are up-to-date regarding ambulatory status, assistance needs, precautions, special instructions, recommended exercise, etc. Continually seeks better ways for delivering services and communicating with participants. Provides training to other staff members, such as CarePartners, as assigned.  Attends trainings as determined by Redwood Coast PACE. Maintains applicable Durable Medical Equipment (DME) including cleaning, minor wheelchair and walker repairs and adjustments, equipment safety checks, etc. Demonstrates behaviors consistent with agency values. Additional duties may be assigned, as needed, that align with the responsibilities of the position and support the vision, mission, and values of the organization. QualificationsEDUCATION &/or EXPERIENCE: Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy Assistant or Occupational Therapy Assistant from an institution with a curriculum approved by the American Physical Therapy association or the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association, the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association and the American Physical Therapy Association or other equivalent organization approved by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services. One (1) year of experience working with a frail or elderly population, providing personal care in a health facility or in-home setting, preferred.   LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES: Current CPR and First Aid certification within six (6) months of hire. Licensed by the Physical Therapy Board of California or the Occupational Therapy Board of California. Valid California Driver’s License and personal auto liability insurance.  Personal vehicle in good driving/operating condition, insured for State minimum liability requirements that can be used for the applicable job functions noted above.   PRE-SCREENING REQUIREMENTS: Pre-employment physical, and PPD skin test (TB screening). COVID-19 and Influenza (flu) vaccinations preferred. This position requires the successful completion of a background check. A current Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) is required to determine eligibility for driving on behalf of the organization.   JOB SKILLS: Demonstrates respect for and promotes participant rights, including dignity, self-determination, and access to care, confidentiality, and independence. Knowledge of therapy-related work principles and practices, including body mechanics, exercise safety, and therapy treatments. Familiar with and ability to use relevant medical and therapy terminology. Demonstrates proficiency in application of therapeutic activity modalities including exercises in the Day Center. Demonstrates proficiency in delivering age-specific care. Ability to organize and maintain medical supplies and therapy gym inventory. Strong verbal and written communication abilities; able to convey information clearly and professionally to staff, participants, families, and external partners. Builds positive relationships with diverse populations, including aging and dependent adults, families, caregivers, staff, and community stakeholders. Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team demonstrating sound listening skills to receive directions and understand participant concerns; maintains a cooperative and supportive attitude. Applies good judgement, resourcefulness, and flexibility to resolve issues and adapt to changing circumstances. Maintains confidentiality, reliability, and ethical standards; consistently demonstrates punctuality, attendance, and responsibility in work performance. Maintains participant privacy and organizational confidentiality, adhering to HIPAA and agency standards. Remains calm and effective when priorities shift, deadlines change, and unexpected issues arise. Strong computer skills (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Power Point, and Excel). Ability to navigate, use, and maintain database software programs. Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision while maintaining accuracy and accountability. Ability to be dependable, accept supervision, follow direction, and improve performance through feedback.   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting throughout the workday in both clinical and community-based settings. The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant must be able to safely assist participants with mobility, transfers, and activities of daily living, which may include lifting, repositioning, and supporting individuals with varying levels of physical ability. The role requires sufficient strength, coordination, and endurance to demonstrate exercises, operate therapy equipment, and provide hands-on assistance. Frequent use of fine motor skills is necessary for documentation and equipment adjustments. The ability to travel between sites, including participant homes and facilities, is required. Visual, auditory, and communication abilities must be sufficient to assess participant needs, monitor safety, and effectively interact with participants, caregivers, and team members. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed.  They are not to be considered an exhaustive list of all job tasks performed.  The agency reserves the right to change job descriptions, work hours or work sites as required by the program.   The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is a private, non-profit, multi-purpose senior center providing a continuum of social and health related services. The agency currently holds contracts with the California Department of Aging and Area 1 Agency on Aging.   The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer.  We will not unlawfully discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any terms or conditions of employment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other basis protected by applicable Federal or State law.