Occupational Therapy Asst (COTA)-Full Time Days

Performs such activities as passive, active and resistive exercise, self-care and ADL training, cognitive and perceptual training, sensory integration and leisure activities, adaptive equipment training, splint management and mobility.

Exhibits good judgment in evaluating treatment techniques and demonstrates accuracy in interpreting results within scope of licensure. Obtains medical history.

Utilizes a comprehensive approach to patient implementation of the therapy program; assesses physical, social and environmental needs of the patient, within scope of practice. Monitors for movement toward meeting long-term and short-term goals.

Discusses goals with patient/family and other health care team members. Develops innovative home programs individualized to meet the needs of the patient/family and instructs the patient and family in these programs.

Apply therapeutic principles; uses appropriate knowledge and clinical judgment in observing patient's reaction to appropriate treatments.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Organization/Time Management

• Organizes daily work schedule, allowing appropriate amounts of time for preparation and completion of tasks.
• Coordinates and reassesses schedule with other staff members throughout the workday.
• Assists in developing the work schedule to ensure maximum departmental efficiency and allow for clinical focus by the occupational therapist.
• Adapts work pace to accommodate patient and department needs.
• Demonstrates an ability to establish and implement treatment priorities.
• Exhibits the ability to coordinate simultaneous activities without affecting the quality of work.

Professional Development

• Participates in educational activities, staff meetings and in-service programs.
• Participates in education of other members of the health care team as needed.
• Participate in the orientation and skill development of new staff members.
• Participates in the development and implementation of policy/procedures, manuals and departmental records.
• Educates the community regarding occupational therapy.
• Exhibits appropriate and innovative professional judgment in presenting alternative solutions to problems encountered in the occupational therapy department.
• Participate in departmental and facility-wide performance improvement programs, Acts as department representative on facility committees.
• Participate in patient care conferences.
• Assist the manager with special projects as requested, according to the needs of the department.
• Demonstrates an awareness of personal competency and limitations; requests assistance in situations that exceed scope of licensure or competence.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Exhibits understanding of department productivity standards and assists the director in monitoring and tracking department productivity.
• Ensures billing/charges are accurate and timely.
• Exhibits an appreciation of cost factors involved in the provision of occupational therapy, utilizing resources in such a manner as to decrease labor and supply costs.
• Participates in developing department budget and equipment recommendations/purchases.
• Exhibits accurate knowledge of facility policies/procedures and departmental policies/procedures, regarding patient care, personnel and general operational issues.

Advancement of Department

• Actively markets and advocates the occupational therapy department to physicians, discharge planners, community organizations and third-party payers.
• Understanding the relationship of the occupational therapists to other members of the health care team demonstrates an awareness of the overall operation of the facility in relation to total patient care.
• Maintains work area in a clean, neat and orderly manner; assists in the cleaning and organizing of the department on own initiative.
• Demonstrates ability to work with a variety of patients and families regardless of varied racial, ethnic and sociological backgrounds.
• Strives to work effectively and maintain good working relationships with other members of the health care team; fosters a collaborative effort in patient care.