Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary role of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is to provide services to children and adults enrolled in pediatric, and adult programming under the direction of an Occupational Therapist. This role will be responsible for the implementation of plans of care developed by the Occupational Therapist and for programming support with speech generating devices, as well as, other therapeutic strategies utilized with the adult and pediatric clientele at CP and compliance with associated protocols and documentation. The COTA will also be responsible for appropriate communication (verbal and written) with family members, insurance companies, physicians and vendors with supervision as needed by an Occupational Therapist. While most visits occur in the clinic, occasionally teletherapy and home therapy occur.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. Ensure that quality customer service is provided to all internal and external customers.
2. Follow treatment plan developed in collaboration with Occupational Therapist for pediatric and adult clientele.
3. Educate and demonstrate (verbally or written) therapy techniques to client, family member or guardian.
4. Maintain client occupational therapy records specific to client's progress for use by the Occupational Therapist.
5. With Occupational Therapist, assess and make recommendations regarding the use of adaptive equipment as needed and provide written justification and coordinate purchase of equipment.
6. Adapt and maintain an understanding of new technology, communication devices, equipment and information and how to obtain and repair them, to include gathering the necessary paperwork.
7. Coordinate, obtain and monitor equipment loan service agreements.
8. Verify changes in client information by interviewing the client or client's family, reviewing plans of care and informing the Occupational Therapist of any updates.
9. Responsible for timely documentation of daily notes, progress notes, plan for care, etc.
10. Maintain safe, secure and healthy work environment by establishing, following and enforcing standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations.
11. Keep equipment operational by following corresponding instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventative maintenance, calling for and scheduling equipment repairs.
12. Establish and maintain working professional relationships with vendors, outside agencies and referral sources.
13. Attend departmental and agency meetings.
14. Attend in-service training and continuing education courses as appropriate or required.
15. Maintain professional clinical certification.
16. Serve and protect the occupational therapy practice by adhering to professional standards, policies and procedures, federal, state and local requirements and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards.
17. Adhere to the agency safety policies and procedures.
18. Follow all HIPAA and social media guidelines.
19. Attain productivity expectations of 70% consistently.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Associate degree from a school accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, involving two year of education and three to six months of clinical experience.
2. Current state license as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant/COTA or proactively in the process of the application process for current state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant/COTA.
3. Completion of a pediatric affiliation/internship or pediatric experience with developmentally delayed children required.
4. Experience with severely handicapped children and adults preferred.
5. Have current CPR certification or be able to obtain within 3 months.
6. Physical ability to lift and transfer children (minimum of 25 lbs.)
7. Ability to participate in handling and floor activities with children.
8. Working knowledge and use of assessment tools used in the evaluation of infants, children and adults.
9. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
10. Demonstrated time management and organization skills.
11. Basic computer experience (Microsoft Office, Excel, Internet).
12. Valid Wisconsin driver's license and evidence of automobile insurance.
13. Successful completion of background check and drug screen.