Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

JOB TITLE: Occupational Therapist Assistant
REPORTS TO: Lead Therapist/ Occupational Therapist
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

JOB OVERVIEW: Provides Occupational Therapy services to patients by assisting in
the assessment, treatment, program planning and implementation
related to documentation and communication. Functions under the
supervision of the Occupational Therapist.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
a. Under the direct supervision of an Occupational Therapist, provides therapy
services for 5-7 patients each day, accurately documenting treatment codes and
filing treatment notes in medical records by the next day.
b. Assists the Occupational Therapist in the evaluation process in the areas of
self-care, homemaking, function mobility and coordination. Assists in the
evaluation of other areas as directed.
c. Identifies indications for and assists in evaluations as appropriate intervals
under the direction of the Occupational Therapist.
d. Assists the Occupational Therapist in identifying a problem list, short-term
goals and treatment plan.
e. Conducts both individual and group treatment as assigned by the
Occupational Therapist outlined in treatment plan in the areas of ADL,
functional mobility, ROM, strength, coordination, cognitive/perceptual
remediation and functional maintenance.
f. Assists in the selection of Occupational Therapy techniques/media and the
sequence of activities, adapts techniques/media as indicated by patient
performance and following consultation with the Occupational Therapist. No
major modification to the treatment plan is made without prior consultation
with the Occupational Therapist.
g. In collaboration with other therapists, ensures each patient receives at least
15 hours of therapy in a 7 day period. Documents reasons for missed time
and files as a treatment note.
h. Adheres to department and patient schedule and modifies as appropriate for
treatment regimen.
i. Provides, recommends, fabricates adaptive devices or other equipment, trains
patient, family and appropriate staff in the use or application of the above.
j. Participates in patient, family and staff education.
k. Confers formally and informally with other team members in coordination with
the total rehabilitation program of the patient.
l. Adheres to Occupational Therapy Department procedures regarding
documentation of Occupational Therapy services.
m. Provides treatment in accordance with established standards of the
departmental procedures and productivity standards.
n. Maintains safe and clean work area and adheres to facility and company
safety standards.
o. Consistently demonstrates sound judgment of the evaluation, planning,
implementation and follow-up of patient therapy programs.
p. Maintains positive relationships and rapport with co-workers, patients, family
members and facility personnel.
q. Misses no more than one scheduled shift per month, is late for a shift no more
than once per month, and finishes assigned duties within designated shift
times.
r. Assists with and participates in Performance Improvement Program as
required.
s. Assumes responsibility for ongoing continuing education and professional
development
t. Adheres to established confidentiality standards.
u. All other duties as assigned.

Regulatory Requirements:
• Associate degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program. Successful
completion of National Certification for O.T.A.
• Current Louisiana Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensure.