Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - PRN

Lagniappe HomeCare; New Iberia (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Lagniappe Rehabilitation in Louisiana seeks an Occupational Therapy Assistant to work under the supervision of a licensed OT, delivering patient care in facilities and ensuring adherence to state regulations. The role involves screening, implementing treatment, documenting progress, and coordinating with families and staff.

The position requires an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, NBCOT certification, and a valid state license (where applicable), plus a driver's license.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an ACOTE accredited school for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
• NBCOT certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Valid state license where appropriate.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision of an occupational therapist, optimize patients' functional abilities and implement treatment per plan.
• Document progress toward objectives and communicate patient status to family, staff and professionals.
• Provide direct supervision of Rehab Aide during group and individual treatment.
• Maintain infection control and environmental safety while adhering to facility policies.
• Travel between facilities during scheduled hours and work varying hours including weekends.

Education

ACOTE-Accredited OTA Program

NBCOT Certification

State License

Driver's License

Job description

Job Summary:

To assist in providing quality patient care while maintaining positive levels of interaction with facilities and clients, under the direction of a licensed or registered Occupational Therapist. Adheres to applicable state regulation concerning occupational therapy.

Essential Functions:

• 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.

Required Credentials:

• 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.

Abilities:

• 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.