Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Requirements

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Participates in the ongoing evaluation of the 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.

2) 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.

3) Maintains appropriate clinical records, clinical notes, and reports to the registered occupational therapist any changes in the patient’s condition.

4) Submits clinical documentation in accordance with Organization policy.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) Attends and contributes to inservices, case conferences, and other meetings as required by Organization policy to ensure coordinated and comprehensive plans of care for the patients of the Organization.

8) 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.

9) Participates in instructing the patient’s family/caregiver and other Organization health care personnel in the patient’s treatment regime as delegated by the registered occupational therapist.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1) Graduate of an occupational therapy assistant curriculum accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

2) Certified with the National Certification Examination of the American Occupational
Therapy Association.

3) Licensed by the State Board of Healing Arts in accordance with state licensure laws.

4) A minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience as a certified occupational therapy assistant.

5) Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.

6) Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.

7) Licensed driver with automobile that is in good working order and insured in accordance with the organization requirements.