Canyon Home Care Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

JOB SUMMARY

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) administers occupational therapy to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Occupational Therapist and Clinical Manager/Therapy Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.    A person who–

a.    Meets all of the following:

i.     Is licensed or otherwise regulated, if applicable, as an occupational therapy assistant by the state in which practicing, unless licensure does apply.

ii   Graduated after successful completion of an occupational therapy assistant education program accredited by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education, (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (ACOTA) or its successor organizations.

iii   Is eligible to take or successfully completed the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapy assistants developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).

OR

b.    On or before December 31, 2009–

i.     Is licensed or otherwise regulated, as an occupational therapy assistant, if applicable, by the state in which practicing; or any qualifications defined by the state in which practicing, unless licensure does not apply; or

ii   Must meet both of the following:

(a)     Completed certification requirements to practice as an occupational therapy assistant established by a credentialing organization approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

(b)     After January 1, 2010, is eligible to take, or has successfully completed the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).

OR

c.    After December 31, 1977 and on or before December 31, 2007–

i.     Completed certification requirements to practice as an occupational therapy assistant established by a credentialing organization approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association; or

ii      Completed the requirements to practice as an occupational therapy assistant applicable in the state in which practicing.

OR

d.    After December 31, 1977–

i.     Had 2 years of appropriate experience as an occupational therapy assistant; and

ii     Had achieved a satisfactory grade on an occupational therapy assistant proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service.

OR

e. If educated outside the United States, on or after January 1, 2008–

i     Graduated after successful completion of an occupational therapy assistant education program that is accredited as substantially equivalent to occupational therapist assistant entry-level education in the United States by–

(a)     The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

(b)     Its successor organizations.

(c)     The World Federation of Occupational Therapists

(d)     By a credentialing body approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association;

and

(e)     Successfully completed the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapy assistants developed and administered by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).

2.    Two (2) years’ experience, preferred.

3.    Acceptance of philosophy and goals of Agency.

4.    Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Performs services planned, delegated and supervised by the Occupational Therapist

2.    Assists in preparing clinical and progress notes.

3.    Participates in educating the patient and family.

4.    Participates in in-service programs and presents in-service programs as assigned.

5.    Understands and adheres to established Agency policies and procedures.

6.    Provides physician prescribed occupational therapy under a written plan of care established by the OT.

7.    Participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.

8.    Consults with OT regarding change in treatment.

9.    Attends all staff meetings and patient care conferences as scheduled.

10.     Prepares medical records, progress notes and updates care plans for each patient visit in a timely manner as per Agency policy.

11.     Informs the OT and other team members of changes in the patient’s condition and needs.

12.     Continually reevaluates needs of patient/family.

13.     Coordinates the therapy and care needs of the patient with the OT and other IDT members as appropriate.

14.     Consults with OT to determine whether treatment plan should be continued, changed or terminated.

15.     Instruction to patient/family in home program and activities of daily living with documentation in medical record notes.

16.     Observes confidentiality and safeguards all patient related information.

17.    Completes and submits progress notes and paperwork in a timely manner per Agency policy.

18.     Immediately reports to supervising Occupational Therapist any patient incidents/variances or complaints.

19.     Demonstrates competent performances of technical skills according to established procedures.

20.     Participates in peer review and QM activities as requested.

21.     Adheres to Agency standards and consistently interprets and accurately performs all assigned responsibilities.

22.     Maintains acceptable attendance status, per Agency policy.

23.     Reports all incomplete work assignments to supervising Occupational Therapist.

24.     Appearance is always within Agency standards; is clean and well-groomed.

25.     Demonstrates effective time management skills through daily documentation and infrequent overtime for routine assignments.

26.     Maintains clean and neat work environment.

27.     Demonstrates sound judgment and decision making.

28.     Maintains current CPR certification.

29.     Performs other duties as assigned.