The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) will assist in planning and ongoing assessment as well as provide treatment according to the Occupational Therapist’s treatment plan of patients who have been evaluated by the Occupational Therapist. The COTA will work under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist. The following is a summary of major essential functions of the COTA. Other duties may be performed, as permitted by Texas law and regulations of governing entities. Specific functions may, from time to time, change.

Essential Functions

1. Provide occupational therapy treatments as designated in the treatment plan of the occupational therapist.
2. Communicate regularly with the occupational therapist regarding patients’ progress and any needed changes in the treatment plan.
3. Assure that all documentation is co-signed by the supervising occupational therapist.
4. Communicate to physicians, appropriate members of the staff, patient, and family members regarding patient needs and progress, either by documentation or, if necessary, direct contact.
5. Educate/train, schedule, and supervise appropriate tasks, which have been delegated to the techs.
6. Supply complete and accurate billing information to appropriate staff in a proper and timely manner.
7. Participate in and attend rehabilitation team conferences and clinic staff meetings as scheduled.
8. Monitor inventory of supplies and equipment. Request orders of needed supplies and equipment in a timely manner to avoid emergency ordering.
9. Instruct patients and/or family members in use of therapeutic activities, exercises, or procedures that should be maintained and continued outside the environment of the clinic.
10. Maintain the well-being and safety of the patient during treatment.
11. Keeps informed of changes and innovation in the field through professional contacts, literature, and workshops.
12. Continually pursue professional growth and act as a resource for expertise in the occupational therapy field.
13. Assume personal responsibility for professional development and continuing education.
14. Provide education related to Occupational Therapy to staff and the general public upon request.
15. Either attends and actively participates in or obtains an excused absence and arranges for make up for all mandatory meetings and in services.
16. Demonstrate positive interpersonal communication skills while maintaining standards of professional ethics. * Meets the requirements for certification as an occupational therapy assistant established by the American Occupational Therapy Association; or * Has 2 years of appropriate experience as an occupational therapy assistant, and has achieved a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service, except that such determinations of proficiency do not apply with respect to persons initially licensed by a State or seeking initial qualification as an occupational therapy assistant after December 31, 1977.

3. Complete all documentation that is required for each patient in a timely manner.

9. Assist with clinical education of any COTA students in the clinic.

10. Observe patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA guidelines.

14. Monitor equipment to be sure it is safe before using with a patient.

20. Suggest and develop new patient programs and ideas for treatment as appropriate.

22. Perform other duties, as delegated, required, or requested.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements

1. Capable to lift, guard, transfer and maneuver patients of all sizes and weights, utilizing assistance or special equipment as needed on a recurring basis and in a safe manner.
2. Manual dexterity and visual acuity to safely apply all necessary modalities and operation of equipment.

3. Must be able to follow written procedures and verbal directives.