Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Per-Diem COTA

JOB TITLE:             Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

DEPARTMENT:      Rehabilitation at St. Luke Health Services

SUPERVISOR:         Occupational Therapist and Director of Rehabilitation

WORK AREA:         Rehabilitation Department and Patient Rooms

JOB SUMMARY:

Assists Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) with all patient treatments for inpatients.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. The COTA will carry a regular patient caseload under the supervision from the Licensed Occupational Therapist, performing the prescribed patient treatments after completion of the patient evaluation by the OTR/L.
2. Communicates with supervising OTR/L on a regular basis regarding patient treatment plan and progress. 

1. The COTA must work with the OTR/L on:
   1. Collection of data for the re-evaluation of patient progress
   2. Recommendations for changes in patient treatments
   3. Assisting with data collection for the progress and discharge notes written in the medical chart.

1. Guides activities of aides and families concerning patient treatment and conducts in-service education or training to health care personnel and families. 

1. Assists with general cleaning of patient treatment area and supplies, ordinary equipment for patient use.

1. Takes responsibility and uses opportunities to promote education and professional knowledge.

1. Uses effective communication techniques within rehabilitation department and inter-departmentally to maximize team building.

1. Maintains 85% productivity.

1. Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a clinical rehabilitation department setting and in residents' rooms where contact with staff, physicians, residents' families and the public is required.

Requires walking up to 95% of the workday.  Must be capable of lifting, pushing, pulling, and moving up to 50 pounds or more.  Finger dexterity is required with eye-hand coordination, vision and hearing corrected to normal range.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

Successful completion of a two-year accredited certified Occupational Therapist Assistant program.  Must possess a current NYS Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant certificate.  Must possess skills to effectively acquire pertinent information from patients' charts and the patients, implement procedures, and document the effects of treatment.   Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate accurately and precisely to patients and family members the instructions that may be necessary in the completion of a treatment program.  Also, be able to identify changes in patient conditions and be able to communicate those changes to the appropriate supervisor.