Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant- Private duty

Description

Private Duty 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 the Company's mission, vision, and values. 
• The occupational therapist treats the patient according to a specific program and coordinates this with other team members. 
• Provide education and training to patients and families regarding the therapy plan, home exercise program, home safety, and diagnosis/illness.   
• Take measurements related to the patient’s condition; report and coordinate these and any other changes with the supervising occupational therapist. 
• Maintain a level of professionalism consistent with the AOTA and CCS codes of ethics and report any unethical situations to the OT Board or appropriate personnel. 
• Provide specific patient treatment and progress documentation to the occupational therapist and Agency. 
•  Participate in face-to-face patient conferences with the occupational therapist as state regulations require. 
• Participate in mandatory case conferences. 
• Completes appropriate documentation promptly to ensure 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 essential functions that are required to be performed regularly and continuously. 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 are 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 are 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. The employee is responsible for renewing 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.

Ongoing COTA employment always requires maintaining a valid COTA license in the state where the therapist practices and a valid CPR certificate. It is the employee's responsibility to renew these before they expire to continue employment. 

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged standing/walking is 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 homes 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.