Occupational Therapy Assistant

 As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you’ll be at the heart of helping individuals overcome challenges, achieve their personal goals, and regain independence. Whether you’re working with children, seniors, or individuals recovering from injury, the impact you make is immeasurable. If you’re passionate about improving lives, fostering resilience, and being a vital part of a collaborative healthcare team, then a career as a COTA is where your skills can truly shine.

The COTA assists the Occupational Therapist in the assessment and treatment of occupational performance deficit, including fine motor, visual motor, gross motor, bilateral coordination and AADL/IADL. Assist in the implementation of occupational therapy programs or activities as planned and directed by the Occupational Therapist.

Core Patient Care Responsibilities:

1. Completes all required documentation in a timely manner according to guidelines and Idaho practice guidelines for occupational therapy.
   1. Document clients’ progress toward meeting established treatment objectives
   2. Collect and compile data to document performance or assess program quality
   3. Prepare charts, graphs, or other visual displays to communicate clients’ performance information
   4. Keep records, maintain supplies, schedule activities, and prepare materials

1. Assist in patient treatment
   1. Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by Occupational Therapist
   2. Assist Occupational Therapist in the remediation or development of skills to improve occupational performance.
   3. Select or prepare occupational therapy instructional materials.
   4. Assist Occupational Therapist in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of occupational skills.

1. Exhibits excellent customer service and communication techniques at all times to internal and external customers.
   1. Communicates in an understanding and diplomatic way with family, peers and supervisors.
   2. Problem solves by pursuing proper chain of command.
   3. Evaluates suggestions and criticism objectively and understands measures to change behavior or utilize resources when appropriate.
   4. Participates in projects within the department and community

1. Other duties as assigned. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

General Responsibilities

1. Completes required education/skill/competencies.
2. Attends and actively participates in interdepartmental meetings/education/competencies.  Actively participates by giving constructive input.
3. Refers to and follows policies and procedures.
4. Participates in the development and attainment of departmental goals
5. Contributes to the overall functioning of CMC and the department by assisting where and when needed.  Functions as a positive team player.
6. Maintains a clean, safe working environment.
7. Assists in QI/QA as requested including data collection.
8. Effectively communicates with other team members.
9. Completes required work accurately and in a timely manner.

Job Related Behaviors

1. Integrity/Pride/Honor: Exhibits the highest standards of professionalism in dealings with co-workers, employers, visitors, patients and residents both inside and outside of the facility.
2. Respect/Equality: Treats others as he/she would like to be treated.
3. Communication: Communicates openly and honestly and in a way that is clear and understandable.  Uses positive communication and communicate appropriately with all CMC departments.
4. Compassion: Creates an environment of safety and trust for patients/residents/employees
5. Trust: Demonstrates trust in co-workers.
6. Professionalism: Demonstrates honesty and integrity.  Always strive to give 100%
7. Safety: Creates/Ensures that work environment is safe for patients, residents, employees and visitors.
8. Fiscal Responsibility: Is a good steward of CMC resources.
9. Ambassadorship: Uses good judgement in behavior, appearance, words and actions.  Remembers that employees are on stage at all times.
10. Quality: Is proficient, competent and efficient.
11. Teamwork: Lends a hand whenever possible to ensure top-notch patient/resident care.
12. Commitment: Committed to co-workers, patients, residents and providers.

Qualifications/Education/Experience needed for position including certifications

EDUCATION

REQUIRED:

• Associates degree for a nationally accredited school of occupational therapy
• Certification of Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA)
• Current AED and CPR certification or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment
• Work under direct supervision of Occupational Therapist

Preferred:

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

SKILLS

      Required:

• Must possess ability to communicate effectively and maintain cooperative relationships with providers, staff members and patients.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to make independent judgments under stressful situations at times.
• Must work in a planned manner without direct supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Work Environment
This job operates in a hospital setting.  This role requires regular walking to various locations throughout the hospital.  This role may come in contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses.  There may be risk of exposure to blood and bodily fluids, latex, and odors/chemicals.