Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Full Time

• Under the direction of the licensed/certified occupational therapist, optimizes functional abilities and skills of patients in facilities by: assisting in screening and initial evaluation of all patients; implementing treatment for all assigned patients; delivering treatment according to the established treatment plan; accurately documenting progress toward objectives and communicating patient status and needs to the patient, the patient’s family, the staff and other professionals.

• Provides direct supervision of Rehab Aide in skilled tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes appropriate utilization of resources and development of clinical skills in accordance with State Practice Acts and Lagniappe Rehabilitation policy.

• Builds a strong rehabilitation care practice within each facility by: establishing and maintaining courteous and helpful interaction patterns with staff, patients and families which reflects sensitivity to individual needs and a problem-solving approach; contributing to facility patient care, utilization review, administrative staff/department head, and family conference activities/communications as directed by the Occupational Therapist; establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other healthcare professionals and colleagues in the community; maintaining awareness of change in patient populations, patient conditions and programs and keeping the licensed or registered Occupational Therapist informed directly and in a timely manner, of patient progress and facility issues; adhering to the requirements of the patient’s Bill of Rights; adhering to established facility policies and procedures related to environmental safety, orderliness, risk management, infection control and emergency situations.

• Enhancing clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities; maintaining valid state license (where appropriate); obtain membership and participate in professional organizations; maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of occupational therapy and the health care environment.

• Understand managed care/Prospective Payment System (PPS) billing and treatment guidelines. Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.

• Compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a facility.

• Maintain confidentiality of Lagniappe Rehabilitation, facility and patient information.

• Graduate of an ACOTE accredited school for Occupational Therapy Assistants.

• Valid National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.

• Valid state license (where appropriate).

• Valid driver’s license.

• Travel between facilities during scheduled hours.

• Work varying hours, including weekends and holidays.

• Performs all other duties as assigned by Rehabilitation Director.

• Attendance at all Lagniappe Rehabilitation staff meetings is mandatory.

• Patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a work day/shift; must be capable of easily lifting (50) pounds of dead weight alone.

• To walk, bend, stand and reach constantly during a work day/shift.

• Visual, auditory and speaking skills sufficient to evaluate, diagnose, communicate and monitor patient needs, and to maintain accurate records, recognize people and provide and understand written, verbal and gestural communications.

• Fine motor skills for legible and accurate writing and key stroking for charting, scheduling, daily correspondence, and reports.

• Fine motor skills for handling of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

• Sustain activity for multiple consecutive hours in accordance with state labor laws.

Lagniappe Rehabilitation Services