Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

• Implementation of Occupational Therapy treatment programs for patients with multiple and specialized diagnoses safely and effectively, as planned, in conjunction with OTR
• Performs therapy treatment programs on inpatients and/or outpatients
• Instructs patients and patients' families in home programs and provide education as needed
• Trains patients in ADL skills and use of ADL equipment
• Monitors patient response to treatment modifying as necessary
• Follows established procedure and safety precautions in the application and use of modalities
• Acts as an assistant to the OTR when the OTR is performing tests, evaluation, and treatment procedures
• Conferences with physicians and other allied health professionals to make recommendations for occupational therapy treatment programs
• Schedules patients according to need/priority
• Maximizes support personnel by delegating as appropriate
• Shares treatment and office space
• Documents and maintains appropriate records and productivity
• Prepares, maintains, and transmits accurate patient documentation including, EMR, charges, and productivity logs
• Prepares discharge summaries and evaluation notes to be cosigned by OTR/L
• Observes and records patient’s progress throughout the treatment period to assure continuity of care and provide accurate records
• Provides at least 5 billable hours/8 hour day inpatient at least 6 billable hours/8 hour day outpatient treatment
• Communicate information/observations to appropriate personnel
• Communicates effectively with Supervisor and OT intra and interdisciplinary team members, as well as other hospital personnel
• Attends and participates in department and multi-disciplinary meetings on regularly scheduled days and checks meeting minutes if unable to attend
• Attends case conferences as indicated with physicians, nurses, other related personnel and family to discuss and evaluate patient’s condition, progress and plans for further OT
• Maintains OT equipment in proper working condition and reports any malfunction to the Physical Medicine Supervisor
• Participation in Educational and Performance Improvement Activities
• Presents a minimum of one in-service to OT and/or physical medicine staff annually
• Attends department in-services on regularly scheduled days
• Attends a minimum of one continuing education course annually
• Provides in-service training to hospital personnel and OT staff regarding OT techniques and equipment as needed
• Assists in student program by assisting with student observation opportunities
• After 1 year of experience, COTA may also supervise a COTA student as assigned
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives within the department or organization
• Completes all mandatory competencies and CBTs within specified time frames
• Keeps abreast of current practices via self-study, networking
• internal and external resources
• Performance of “Activities of Daily Living” evaluations and structured assessments as directed by an OTR
• Beginning competency in ADL evaluations and contributes to overall initial intake evaluation as directed by OTR
• Re-evaluation of patient at timely intervals for caseload and implement goal modification and co-signed by the OTR
• Perform discharge assessment on caseload (outpatient) and contribute to discharge planning with patient treatment team
• Assumes other related responsibilities as assigned
• Includes but not limited to clerical, answering phones, customer service, etc.

• Graduate of an AOTA approved Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
• Successful completion of two month supervised Level II fieldwork experience
• Successful completion of certification process
• Current AOTA Certification
• Current IL/WI licensure or obtain IL licensure within 90-days of hire
• Current CPR Certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required
• A valid driver’s license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles
• Completion of fieldwork/program requirements
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance
• Potential exposure to blood/body fluids
• Requires use of universal precautions as appropriate

Prior experience with various age groups is preferred

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program