/Overall Objectives A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) implements the treatment plan established by the Occupational Therapist (OTR) with age specific considerations. The COTA performs Activities of Daily Living assessments with guidance from the responsible OTR. The COTA has a responsibility to participate actively in work process and program development to enhance the work environment.
Essential Job Functions Performs clinical responsibilities in a manner that provides effective, age specific patient care while achieving optimal outcomes. Established the plan of care reviewed by the Occupational Therapist Completes ADL assessments with guidance from the OTR within appropriate time frames. Sets ADL goals with measurable outcomes and appropriate time frames.
Initiates discussions with physicians and other medical team members when appropriate to modify therapeutic program. Discusses any changes in the treatment plan and/or patient response to treatment with Occupational Therapist in a prompt and professional manner. Demonstrates appropriate use of various treatment modalities in patient care.
Adheres to ethical and legal practice standards. Abides by relevant ethical codes and standards of practice guidelines. Abides by State and Federal laws and regulations, including state licensure laws.
Maintains records in accordance with department and system policies that are accurate, concise, timely, and legible. Documents therapy care in format and accordance with practice setting including treatment provided, response to treatment, patient progress, education, family conferences, and discharge planning as appropriate. Documents patient care that are consistent with the guidelines and requirements of agencies and third-party payers.
Documents about education and training as well as patient and/or family level of achievement with training provided. Educates all patients and families in a manner consistent with their level of understanding and therapeutic needs. Considers patient and family goals in establishment of ADL goals.
Provides patient and family members with educational materials. Participates in patient/family educational programs as appropriate. Documents about education and training as well as patient and/or family level of achievement with training provided.
Captures maximum revenue for quality services provided while maintaining established standards of care. Utilizes appropriate documentation including CPT and CDM codes to match services provided. Maintains adherence to established efficiency standards.
Completes daily charge entry accurately Maintains current understanding pf patient care insurances and reimbursement issues. Assured that treatment does not extend beyond last covered date. Assures prior authorization has been received prior to initiating treatment.
Collaborates with patients, their facilities, and other health care members to provide excellence in patient care. Communicates regularly with other team members via verbal, written, and/or established electronic communication methods. Attend interdisciplinary team meetings when indicated.
Attend all required IHS Rehab Services staff meetings. If absent or unable to attend, reads minutes and sign appropriate sign-in sheets to indicate review of material. Participate actively in the ongoing development of new therapy programs and in the enhancement of established programs.
Attends appropriate internal or external education opportunities to promote growth and expansion of specific programs. Research appropriate innovative ideas via journal and internet exploration and discusses these with manager leads, and peers as requested. Implement a self-directed plan for professional development.
Implement a self-directed plan for professional development. Initiates and participates in continuing
lectures, video/audio conferences, written and online courses Develops and conducts in-service as appropriate to share information gained from external resources. Maintains yearly record of Continuing Education via completion of Education Record. Upholds fiscal and operational responsibility.
Utilizes supplies and equipment in a fiscally responsible manner. Maintains a safe and clean work environment. Maximizes utilization of non-direct patient care time.
Maintains responsibility for reporting accurately of hours worked. Staff schedules require flexibility as they are dependent on patient care needs, which may include evening and weekend hours, as necessary to meet demand in their primary area or the needs across the System Travel to other entities or sites within the System as patient census dictates, to provide quality necessary care where patient need is greatest.
Participates in supervision of students as appropriate. Participates actively in professional activities Other duties as assigned. Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities] Required Qualifications/Experience Completion of a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant program accredited by the AOTA.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of Rehabilitation Services. Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
- /Experience Experience in healthcare setting. Knowledge and application of Microsoft Office programs. Experience in specialty areas (i.e. pediatrics, geriatrics, and Occupational Medicine, where applicable within the system). License, Certification & Clearances Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program. Act 33 with renewal Act 34 with renewal Act 73 FBI Clearance Currently licensed in Pennsylvania as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, or eligible. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.). Travel may be expected locally between System locations. Equal Employment Opportunity Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Disclaimer This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Work Environment When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required. Essential – Absolute Necessity. Marginal – Minimal Necessity. Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift. Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32
- 200 reps/shift. Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2
- 32 reps/shift. Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift. Physical Condition Essential Marginal Constantly Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never Extreme Heat X Extreme Cold X Heights X Confined Spaces X Extreme Noise(>85dB) X Mechanical Hazards X Use of Vibrating Tools X Operates Vehicle (company) X X Operates Heavy Equipment X Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices X X Rotates All Shifts X 8 Hours Shifts X X 10
- 12 Hours Shifts X On
- Call X Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) X X Travel Between Sites X X Direct Patient Care X X Respirator Protective Equipment X X Eye Protection X X Head Protection (hard hat) X Hearing Protection X Hand Protection X X Feet, Toe Protection X Body Protection X X Latex Exposure X X Solvent Exposure X Paint (direct use) Exposure X Dust (sanding) Exposure X Ethylene Oxide Exposure X Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure X Blood/Body Fluid Exposure X X Chemicals (direct use) Exposure X X Mist Exposure X Wax Stripper (direct use) X Non
- Ionizing Radiation Exposure X Ionizing Radiation Exposure X Laser Exposure X Physical Demands When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required. Essential – Absolute Necessity. Marginal – Minimal Necessity. Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift. Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32
- 200 reps/shift. Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2
- 32 reps/shift. Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift. Physical Condition Essential Marginal Constantly Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never Bending (Stooping) X X Sitting X X Walking X X Climbing Stairs X X Climbing Ladders X Standing X X Kneeling X X Squatting (Crouching) X X Twisting/Turning X X Keyboard/Computer Operation X X Gross Grasp X X Fine Finger Manipulation X X Hand/Arm Coordination X X Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force) X 10# 50# Carry X 10# Transfer/Push/Pull Patients X X Seeing Near w/Acuity X X Feeling (Sensation) X X Color Vision X X Hearing Clearly X X Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead X X Reaching Above Shoulder Level X X Reaching Forward X X Lifting Floor to Knuckle X 25# Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle X 50# Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder X 10# Lifting Shoulder to Overhead X 5# When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.