Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Summary

Follows through with treatment plans written by the Occupational Therapist for patients referred by a Physician for occupational rehabilitation services.

A COTA provides professional treatment to patients according to the plan of care established by the occupational therapist to facilitate development and rehabilitation of mentally, physically, or emotionally disable persons. This occurs in various settings including Meeker Memorial Hospital and Clinics, and/or with other contracted agencies. May oversee support staff, COTA students, and volunteers.

Essential Job FunctionsJob functions are those tasks, duties, and responsibilities that comprise the means of accomplishing the job’s purpose and objectives. Job functions are critical or fundamental to the performance of the job. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable.

• Implements treatment plan established by Occupational Therapist

• Informs Occupational Therapist of changes in patient's condition

• Understands and complies with universal precautions, safety and risk policies and procedures

• Makes recommendations to Occupational Therapist for adjusting treatment plan as needed to progress patient or discontinue services

• Assist with department QA reports and records

• Performs necessary documentation including progress notes, discharge notes and logs in a timely manner according to regulations

• Assist with orientation of new staff, volunteers and students

• Performs clerical duties such as inventory, answering phone, taking messages and filling out forms

• Utilizes and maintains equipment, request supplies as needed

• Monitors treatment administered by Rehab Technicians

• Understands and complies with supervisory regulations required by the state worked in

• Ongoing commitment to reducing costs and improving productivity in the occupational therapy department

• Treatment of occupational therapy patients according to the established plan of care to attain specific goals.

• Documents services and maintains records as required by law, facility policies, and administrative regulations, and does so in a timely manner.

• Consults and communicates with other members of the rehabilitation team to provide the best possible care for all patients

• Develops home programs for patient and family to continue after discharge. Educates family/caregivers/home health workers as needed

• Provides services to area home care agencies in order to service the greater Meeker Memorial Hospital area

• Ability to adjust to changing case load including inpatients, outpatients, and home health care patients.

• Responsibility for maintaining up to date licensure requirements

• Practices therapy consistent with the code of ethics of the Minnesota and American Occupational Therapy Association and National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy

• Presents positive service-oriented approach with patients, patient families, facility staff and co-workers

• Attends meetings and conferences and participates in other activities to promote professional growth.

Note: This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.