Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

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Job description

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) works under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide direct care to patients in need of rehabilitative services. The COTA helps patients develop, recover, and improve their ability to perform daily activities by implementing treatment plans designed to restore physical, mental, and emotional functioning. This role is essential in enhancing patients' quality of life through therapeutic exercises, interventions, and adaptive techniques.

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Care and Treatment:

Assist in implementing treatment plans developed by the Occupational Therapist to improve patients' functional abilities and quality of life.
Provide therapeutic interventions and exercises designed to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
Support patients in performing daily living activities such as dressing, grooming, eating, and mobility, using adaptive tools when necessary.
Monitor and document patient progress, making adjustments to therapy based on observations and feedback from the Occupational Therapist.

Collaboration and Communication:

Collaborate closely with the supervising Occupational Therapist and other healthcare professionals to ensure cohesive patient care.
Communicate patient progress, challenges, and changes in condition to the Occupational Therapist and other members of the care team.
Educate patients and their families on exercises and techniques they can use at home to maintain or enhance therapy gains.

Documentation and Reporting:

Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient treatments, progress notes, and responses to therapy.
Ensure that all records comply with facility, state, and federal regulations.
Provide regular reports to the Occupational Therapist on the effectiveness of treatment plans and suggest modifications when necessary.

Equipment and Safety:

Assist in the setup, use, and maintenance of therapy equipment, ensuring it is clean, safe, and functional for patient use.
Ensure patient safety during therapy sessions, providing assistance as needed to prevent falls or injuries.
Instruct patients on the safe and proper use of adaptive devices and equipment designed to improve functional independence.

Patient and Family Education:

Provide guidance to patients and caregivers on how to perform therapeutic exercises and activities at home.
Educate patients and families about the use of adaptive equipment and modifications to improve the patients independence and quality of life.
Education: Associates degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Certification: Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Licensure: Active COTA license.
Experience: Previous experience in a rehabilitation, healthcare, or long-term care setting is preferred but not required.
Skills:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with patients of all ages and abilities.
Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude toward helping others achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
Knowledge of therapy techniques, adaptive tools, and safety procedures.

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