Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA

Occupational Therapist Assistant - PRN

 (Certified or Provisional)

Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) is one of the nation’s largest and most respected health care management companies, operating through its subsidiaries acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. Wyoming Behavioral Institute (WBI) is part of the UHS family of providers which has been highly regarded as an integral part of behavioral health services in the state of Wyoming and in the Rocky Mountain west. Conveniently located in central Wyoming (Casper), WBI is a fully accredited, 84-bed acute psychiatric hospital and adolescent residential treatment center offering a continuum of behavioral health treatment services to children, adolescents, adults and senior adults.

Wyoming Behavioral Institute (WBI) is a Medicare provider in addition to contracting with many commercial health insurance plans. We are committed to providing service excellence to all and ensuring our patients receive the optimal level of care that will be most beneficial to their health and recovery. Our dedicated team of Psychiatrists, Nurses, Therapists, OT professionals, Mental Health Techs and allied behavioral health professionals all work together as a fast-paced ever growing multi-disciplinary clinical team.  We take pride in being a cohesive, family-friendly, flexible, educational and welcoming work environment. As an affiliate hospital of UHS, our staff have access to excellent benefits, (including paid vacation, paid sick time and over 20 other benefit offerings), as well as career advancement, employee perks, continuing education and daily learning opportunities. Our staff are proud to help underserved patients in crisis through our advanced clinical setting and the ability to work with a fantastically dedicated team of like-minded co-workers and professionals.  If you are a dedicated professional looking for the next evolution in employment, and you want to make a difference in someone’s life, apply for a position at Wyoming Behavioral Institute today!  If you have general questions, or would like more information, please contact the WBI HR department at 307-265-5125.  

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for helping patients improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. Patients may have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling.

REQUIREMENTS:  Must be 21 years of age and hold an Associate's degree in occupational therapy assisting from accredited school.  Two years of experience preferred, but not required. Current state occupational therapist assistant license (full or provisional), successful completion of national certification examination within 1 year of hire. Occupational Therapy students welcome to apply. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

• Working closely with occupational therapist to develop client centered treatment plans and goals. 
• Plans and conducts individual/group interventions collaboratively with the occupational therapist that improve the function and quality of life for individuals who are at risk or affected by mental illness.
• Assessing patients and developing treatment plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Assist patients to develop, recover, or maintain psychosocial functioning and integrate skills for life role satisfaction. Help individuals improve basic reasoning, sensory modulation, executive functioning skills, social participation, and leisure activities to promote development of healthy habits and routines.
• Contributes to assessment and evaluation process as required and directed by an occupational therapist.
• Advocates and promotes mental health and wellbeing of all stakeholders.
• Serves as educators and mentors to therapy students, peers, and other medical professionals.
• Follow medical practices policies related to compliance, safety, and infection control. Document patient treatment and outcomes in medical record in a timely manner.

Other Functions:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, standards, and applications in accordance with the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Knowledge of physical, biological, and behavioral sciences as well as application of occupational therapy equipment, devices, and patient-specific therapeutic devices. Understanding of how to modify equipment as needed.
• Knowledge of clinic policies and regulations related to infection control, safety, and quality improvement.

Abilities:

• Ability to collaborate with patients, families, and employers to modify workplace or home environment in line with patient’s condition, including identification of environmental factors and hazards.
• Ability to communicate with patients and families in caring and compassionate manner to encourage behavioral changes.
• Ability to analyze patient data and behavior and modify treatment plan as appropriate.

Other duties as assigned.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements:  Extensive physical activities including standing, stooping, lifting, bending, and twisting. Must be able to transport/transfer patient safely. Occasional need to lift/carry and move equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Some stress related to dealing with concerns of patients and families. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Repetitive motion movements. Drug and alcohol free as evidenced by negative results of post-offer, pre-employment urine drug screen.)