Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Santa Monica, CA

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients within 24 hours or 1 business day of physician referral (document delays as needed).
• Develop effective treatment plans and secure physician approval.
• Administer therapy based on physician's treatment plan.
• Assist in training Restorative Aides in the nursing department.
• Supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants in patient care and related activities in accordance with state practice act.
• Maintain clear communication with supervisor and healthcare team regarding patient progress and treatment plans.
• Participate in:
• Patient Care Conferences
• Utilization Review meetings
• Rehabilitation Conferences
• Conduct in-service training for facility staff.
• Complete documentation, including:
• Evaluations
• Daily treatment notes
• Weekly progress notes
• Recertification paperwork
• Update treatment plans and document changes per policy.
• Provide caregiver training and discharge planning support to families and nursing staff.
• Recommend and assist in ordering durable medical equipment (e.g., walkers, canes, grab bars).
• Report issues with department equipment to ensure proper maintenance.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with patients, families, staff, and colleagues.
• Supervise:
• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs)
• Aides
• Students

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical/Computer Skills:
• Proficient in using Casamba and Point Click Care (or similar programs).
• Language Skills:
• Ability to read technical procedures and policy manuals.
• Effective verbal communication with managers, coworkers, and families.
• Mathematical Skills:
• Ability to apply basic math concepts like fractions, ratios, and percentages.
• Reasoning Ability:
• Capable of solving practical problems and interpreting various types of instructions (written, oral, diagrams, schedules).

Physical Demands

• Very Frequent:
• Standing, walking, pushing/pulling, talking, hearing, tasting, smelling
• Frequent:
• Reaching with hands and arms
• Occasional:
• Sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling
• Lifting:
• Exerting over 100 lbs occasionally, 50 lbs frequently, and 20 lbs constantly
• Vision Requirements:
• Close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception
• Ability to adjust focus

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy (required)
• Preferred: Master's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
• Not specifically mentioned but expected to align with educational background.
• Must be a licensed Occupational Therapist in the state.
• Must meet continuing education requirements per state regulations.
• License must remain in good standing with the state board.