Occupational Therapy Assistant (PRN)

JOB PURPOSE:

Under supervision of an Occupational Therapist, a certified occupational therapist assistant, or COTA, supports patient well-being, rehabilitation, and recovery by providing direct support to an occupational therapist. COTAs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. They help patients with physical, mental, emotional, or social limitations to improve their quality of life and independence. Any position that has direct patient care is considered to be safety sensitive by Avem Health Partners’ standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Evaluate patient’s health and wellness.
• Conduct tests and assess a patient’s mobility, emotional and social skills, and overall health.
• Ask questions about pain levels and recurring issues related to the injury.
• Working closely with Occupational Therapists, COTA’s also help develop treatment plans, including inpatient techniques and methodologies as well as exercises and other methods the patient will use at home.
• Maintains detailed records of patient progress and provides reports to the Occupational Therapist.
• Maintains client and organizational confidentiality at all times.
• Conducts periodic assessments of patients’ progress, comparing their current wellness levels to benchmarks in the patient’s therapy plan.
• Supports therapeutic activities and patient success by operating a range of equipment and devices.
• Delivers a high level of customer service to all internal and external customers.
• Demonstrates leadership competencies through communication and relationship building, developing self and others, and teamwork.
• Communicates with all members of the healthcare team.
• Ensure all safety and infection control practices are followed.
• Ability to think quickly and competently in stressful situations.
• Performing other duties as assigned within scope of practice.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS:

• The individual must support the mission, vision, and goals of Avem Health Partners and serve as a role model within the company.
• Exhibit positive customer service behavior in everyday work interactions.
• Demonstrate a courteous and respectful attitude to internal workforce and external customers.
• Communicate accurately and appropriately.
• Handle difficult situations in a discreet and professional manner.
• Hold self-accountable for professional practice.
• Interact and cope effectively with diverse populations in stressful situations resulting from trauma and illness.
• Participate in performance improvement activities utilizing principles to support and improve patient care.
• Demonstrate knowledge of unit goals and is active in committees and projects to achieve these goals.
• Keep current with literature regarding changing practices, interventions and best practices in patient care.
• Assume responsibility for seeking out educational and professional opportunities for personal learning needs and growth as well as meeting mandatory education requirements.
• Act as a preceptor as requested.
• Demonstrate excellent work attendance and attend and actively participate in a variety of meetings and training sessions as required.
• Adhere to the Avem Health Partners Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior. Complies with established policies and procedures and all health and safety requirements.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE :

• Current Oklahoma license as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Current BLS (or obtained within 30 days of hire).

EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years’ experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Such accommodations must be requested by the employee/applicant to be considered.
• This job requires visual abilities, auditory abilities, must be intact to perform duties.
• Must be able to lift patients to and from bed or other surface as needed.
• Must be able to exert more than 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Must be able to exert more than 20 pounds of force constantly to move patients and/or objects.
• Must have the physical strength and agility to position patients for a variety of examinations and procedures.