Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
(COTA)
Job Summary:
Under the supervision of Occupational Therapist(s), assists in the provision of Rehabilitative services to the participants of the PACE organization Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
Qualifications and Requirements:
Education:
- Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
- Current State of California OTA certification.
Experience:
- Minimum of one year experience working with a geriatric population preferred.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Working knowledge of Restorative services
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, and apply good judgment.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Basic computer skills.
- Working knowledge of physical, psychosocial and behavioral needs of the elderly population.
- Desired Personal Attributes:
- Dependable and adaptable.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Patient and professional.
- Flexible and able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Enjoys working with elderly individuals.
- Ability to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Other:
- Possesses physical strength to perform essential functions of the job.
- Must be able to work required schedule
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with ADA requirements, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work Environment:
Employee must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team model, interfacing and collaborating with a wide range of clinical and social services disciplines who work together to manage the PACE participants’ care. The work setting is in an Adult Day Health Center and primary care clinic environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperatures.
Physical Requirements:
Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination; the ability to use department equipment; and the ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds using appropriate body mechanics with reasonable accommodation if needed.
Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements:
Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to communicate by way of the telephone with participants, customers, vendors and staff.
Pressure Factor:
Requires working under stressful conditions. Working conditions may be noisy and crowded and fluctuating indoor temperatures. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled deadlines. Potential for exposure to verbal aggression by client, vendors, and staff.
Environmental Conditions:
May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids, communicable diseases and any other conditions common in a healthcare environment. Subject to unpleasant odors.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- As directed by OT and or PT facilitates participant groups
- Assists in department maintenance and inventory control.
- Orders equipment as assigned by the interdisciplinary team and/or Center Manager; Reports issuance of equipment to I-Team and Supervisor.
- Performs minor equipment repairs as directed by policy
- Assists in assessment of durable medical equipment needs for participants. Receives team approval prior to purchase of equipment. Orders and follows up on DME purchases as indicated.
- Reports issuance of equipment to supervisor. Performs minor equipment repairs as directed by policy.
- Develops and instructs other staff and/or caregivers on follow-through programs for participants when directed.
- Provides guidance to Therapy Techs and Aides in their delivery of services and reports as indicated to supervisor regarding pertinent issues. Provides assistance to Techs and Aides as needed.
- Consults with Recreational Therapy Department as directed in regard to activity adaptations.
- Participates on committees as requested.
- Maintains confidentiality of participant information.
- Utilizes appropriate safety measures when providing care to participants and when performing other job duties.
- Performs related services necessary to maintain the efficient operation of the department.
- Adjusts schedule as required to meet the needs of the participants.
- Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of sensitive employee, participant and agency information.
- Supports Quality Improvement efforts.
- Performs related duties as assigned.