JOB SUMMARY: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant works under the direction/supervision of the Occupational Therapist. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant will implement services and programs concerning occupational therapy within their scope of training as selected/delegated by the Occupational Therapist. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant completes assessments, documentation and billing of patients/residents on a required basis under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist. Attends and actively participates in all intradepartmental staff meetings. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant will seek to aid patients/residents in relieving pain, improving fine motor skills, maintaining functional ADL level and reaching maximum rehabilitation potential. Attends and conducts in-service and orientation programs as well as on-the-job training programs. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant will work in concert with the interdisciplinary team through communication and collaboration in order to ensure a safe discharge at patients/resident’s highest level of function. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant will adhere to patient/resident Bill of Rights, ensure compliance with ethics of profession, and all state and federal regulations as applicable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Demonstrates knowledge of age specific developmental factors specific to adult and geriatric residents (ie. physical, cognitive, and socialization factors) in planning and delivering care.  Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to care for and treat residents with the following needs: orthopedics, neuro disease, infectious disease and cognitive deficits, if applicable.  Assists the Occupational Therapist in evaluative techniques within their scope of practice under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist (COTA’s may not perform the evaluation itself).  Adjusts specific treatment in accordance with prior approval from the supervising Occupational Therapist.  Documents patient/resident progress level with Occupational Therapist, co-signature required.  Confers with Occupational Therapist to discuss patient/resident status and need for program modification if applicable.  Ensures that patients/residents receive the ordered number of therapy minutes and notifies supervisor if minutes ordered are not attained.  Engages in professional communication. Completes all necessary documentation in patient/resident charts and care plans.  Ensures that proper equipment is ordered for home discharge and Home Exercise  Program is given as appropriate.  Provides appropriate patient/resident and family education.  Instructs patients/residents and nursing department personnel in the use of Adaptive Equipment and DME, which are determined to be necessary for patient/resident rehabilitation.   Ensures that all rehabilitation aides are adequately trained to meet the needs of the patients/residents served as delegated or assigned by the Director of Rehabilitation.  Conducts in-service education and on the job training in range of motion exercises, adaptive equipment usage, feeding techniques, bed mobility/positioning, functional transfer techniques and body mechanics as delegated or assigned by the Director of Rehabilitation.   Schedules, supervises and/or executes skilled treatment programs as prescribed by the physician's orders.  Participates in inter and intra-departmental training programs.  Cares for and is economical with all equipment, supplies and materials used.  Maintains accurate clinical records, patient/resident charts, and care plans while conferring with the attending physician as to the patient/resident status, care and progress. Determines patient/resident progress, makes recommendations to the nursing department and modifies plan of care accordingly.  Provides proof of qualifications, degrees and state licensure to the Director of Rehabilitation.  Maintains license/registration/certification requirements including required number of CEU’s in accordance with New York State and NBCOT.  Provides a copy of license/registration to the facility upon hire and with subsequent renewal.  Maintains HIPPA privacy, security, confidentiality standards and residents rights.  Follows all established policies and procedures.  Follows Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques.  Maintains Corporate Compliance standards. Contributes to facility Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives.  Follows safety procedures by keeping areas free of hazardous conditions.  Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff and demonstrates a positive, helpful and enthusiastic attitude.  Comes to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrates dependability and punctuality.  Comes to work in neat, clean attire and consistently presents an appropriate professional appearance.  Performs any other necessary duties as assigned by Supervisor