PACE Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Position Summary: 

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is responsible under the supervision of the Occupation Therapist for implementation of a program of occupational therapy for PACE patients to help them to remain independent and live safely in the community. Additionally, the COTA executes occupation therapy programs tailored to each participant’s needs.  The COTA encourages participation in tasks and therapies designed to restore, reinforce and enhance independence and productivity following illness or injury.  The COTA serves the center’s geriatric population consisting of PACE participants to help them remain independent and continue to live safely in the community.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Under the direction of the Occupational Therapist implements individualized and group occupational therapy treatments for patients enrolled in PACE and accessing day services.
• Under the direction of the Occupational Therapist implements the individualized plan of care to decrease or eliminate disability, increase or maintain capability for independence, and develop function to a maximum level.  Makes recommendations to modify treatments as needed.
• Ensure that the individual plan of care is being followed.
• Guide patients and caregivers in the use of adaptive devices and therapeutic, creative and self-care activities for improving function.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and makes recommendations to modify goals as necessary.
• Record and sign treatments in the patient's health record. 
• Ensure services provided are in a therapeutic setting conducive to restoring dignity and self-esteem to all patients.
• Assists the Occupational Therapist to ensure that required equipment and supplies for the
• Occupational therapy program are available or ordered as needed.
• Keeps abreast of all regulations and standards to ensure compliance with orders or directives issued by duly constituted government/regulatory agencies (PACE, CMS, DHCS, etc)
• Participate in training programs for staff and caregivers.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and follow established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
• Adheres to and models SYHC’s core values and behaviors of Excellence, Empowerment, Integrity and Respect.
• Adheres to SYHC and PACE attendance and punctuality policies and practices. Must adhere to schedule shift established by Supervisor and/or Center Manager
• Attend meetings as required and participate on committees as directed.
• Able to perform MAX A transfers.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Job Requirements

Education Required:

• Certified as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the State of CA

Experience Required:

• 2 years field experience with the geriatric population beyond completion of degree requirements.

Certifications Required:

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in the State of CA.
• Passing scores on national and state examinations.
• BLS/CPR Certification.

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Excellent oral, written, and computer skills.
• Bilingual skills preferred. 
• Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and to participate in a multi-cultural, multidisciplinary team.

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Knowledge of principles and methods for treatment and rehabilitation of disabilities and functional impairments.
• Ingenuity and imagination in adapting modalities to individual needs. Familiarity with the Older Americans Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Area Agencies on Aging.
• Patience and strong interpersonal skills.

Equipment Used:

• Parallel bars.
• Full-view mirror.
• Overhead pulley and weights.
• Set of training stairs.
• Treatment table
• Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and other ambulation aides.
• Physical Modalities agents such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation machines
• Bikes, treadmills and other exercise equipment.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods.  Occasional lifting of heavy objects.
• Commitment to long-term care in a community setting and promoting maximum patient independence and functional ability.
• May face hazards from moving heavy equipment and lifting patients or helping them turn, stand, or walk.

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.