Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (PRN) - Reidsville, GA

Optim Medical Center Tattnall is seeking a PRN Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for our Reidsville, GA location.

Job Supervisory Responsibilities: May assist in supervision of OT aides

General Summary: An exempt position responsible for assisting OTs in assessing and treating patients to provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Assesses patients response to the plan of care set up by the OT and implements treatment plans in collaboration with the OT, physicians and other clinicians.

2. Assists patients to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Helps patients to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning ability and to compensate for any permanent loss of function to reach the goal of having independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

3. Helps patients in performing a variety of activities from operating a computer to dealing with daily needs such as dressing, cooking, and eating.

4. Assists patients with exercises that increase strength and dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to discern patterns.

5. Uses variety of equipment during treatment including computer programs to help patients improve decision making, abstract reasoning, problem solving, perceptual skills, memory, sequencing, and coordination to aid in independent living.

6. Teaches patients, particularly those with permanent disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, in the use of adaptive equipment including wheelchairs, orthotics, and aids for eating and dressing.

7. Follows medical practice policies related to compliance, safety, and infection control. Documents patient treatment and outcomes in medical record.

Education: Associate’s degree or a certificate from an accredited school for Occupational assistants.

Experience: New graduates and experienced assistants may apply.

Other Requirements: Current state occupational therapist assistance license, successful completion of national certification examination. Current CPR certificate.

Training: Minimum of eight (8) hours of orthopedic specific training required annually. This may be incorporated with the employee’s state licensure and certification education requirements.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, standards, and applications.

2. Knowledge of physical, biological, and behavioral sciences as well as application of occupational therapy equipment, devices, and patient-specific therapeutic devices. Understanding of how to modify equipment as needed.

3. Knowledge of clinic policies and regulations related to infection control, safety, and quality improvement.

Skills:

1. Skill in using OT equipment properly and safely to transfer/transport and treat patients.

2. Skill in observing and recording patient progress or concerns.

3. Skill in helping patients with rehabilitative activities and exercises.

Abilities:

1. Ability to collaborate with patients, families, and employers to modify workplace or home environment in line with patient’s condition, including identification of environmental factors and hazards.

2. Ability to communicate with patients and families in caring and compassionate manner to encourage behavioral changes.

3. Ability to analyze patient data and behavior and modify treatment plan as appropriate.

Equipment Operated: Variety of therapeutic equipment including wheelchairs, orthotics, and aids for activities of daily living. Computer hardware and software for record keeping.

Work Environment: Combination of exam, treatment, and exercise rooms. Exposure to communicable diseases, biohazards, and other conditions related to clinic setting.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Extensive physical demands including walking, standing, lifting, bending, twisting, and stooping. Occasional heavy lifting when transporting/transferring patient. May lift/carry up to 100+ pounds of equipment. Some stress from dealing with anxious patients.