COTA - Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Under the direction and supervision of the Rehab Manager the COTA will provide occupational therapy services to the participants of High Desert PACE following the plan of care of the Occupational Therapist.

• Certified Occupational Therapist (COTA) assists the Occupational Therapist (OT) in the treatment of High Desert PACE participants who have medical problems and health related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.
• Provide regular updates to the OT on participants status in therapy.
• Train participants and follow through with adaptive equipment and durable medical equipment (DME) such as shower chairs, hip kit, sock aide, etc.
• Assist in ensuring participant and staff safety.
• Participate in meetings as indicated (morning, team, family, nursing facility, assisted living facility, and hospital).
• Provide treatment as indicated following plan of care from OT assessment.
• Work as part of rehab team to provide OT services under the director and supervision of the Supervising RN.
• Educate staff, participants, and family on therapy services available in the rehab department.
• Demonstrate an ability to utilize appropriate safety measures and treat participants with respect when providing care.
• Instruct and supervise other staff, and/or family members on therapy program to be carried out by individuals other than the OT/COTA.
• Assist in observing participants and collaborate with OT regarding progress or decline of participant.
• Train and supervise restorative aides as assigned, including all areas of performance consistent with departmental policies; report as required to supervisor regarding these issues.
• Provide orientation and training in regard to body mechanics and lift equipment to staff as requested.
• Complete documentation in a timely manner, write daily notes and progress reports.
• Adjust schedule as needed to meet the needs of High Desert PACE participants.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding participant, staff, contractor and organizational information.
• Communicate observed staffing needs/changes and further program development needs to supervisor.
• Be flexible in scheduled hours worked, and in scheduling participants treatment to accommodate the participants availability.
• May require use of personal vehicle to provide therapy services in participants residence.

Education & Training

• Minimum of one (1) year of documented experience working with a frail or elderly population; appropriate clinical placement experience may be substituted.
• Associate’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program,
• Active Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license with the state of California.
• Is medically cleared for communicable diseases and has all immunizations up to date before engaging in direct participant contact.
• Current CPR certification is required.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress related to the position.
• Ability to function independently and to work effectively and in a collegial manner with all members of the interdisciplinary team, co-workers, and department heads.
• Ability to relate to the public and governmental agencies in a pleasant, patient, and professional manner.
• Well organized, dependable, flexible, and resourceful.
• Must have excellent communication skills.

Working Conditions

The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Primarily work indoors.
• Usually have their own workstation or a shared office space
• Are exposed daily to participants who have diseases or infections.
• Wear protective clothing such as a gown, masks, and gloves, as needed.
• Work very close to others, especially when examining participants.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and/or stand.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.