Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Santa Monica, CA

Vensure Employer Services; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide exceptional patient care and develop effective treatment plans. The role involves evaluating patients, training staff, and maintaining communication with healthcare teams. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's (or higher) degree in Occupational Therapy and be licensed in the state. The position requires strong technical skills and the ability to supervise assistants and aide staff effectively.

Qualifications

• Must be a licensed Occupational Therapist in the state.
• Requires continuing education as per state regulations.
• License must remain in good standing with the state board.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients within 24 hours of referral.
• Develop effective treatment plans and administer therapy.
• Supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) in patient care.

Skills

Technical/Computer Skills

Effective verbal communication

Problem-solving

Mathematical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy

Master's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Tools

Casamba

Point Click Care

Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients within 24 hours or 1 business day of physician referral (document delays as needed).
• Develop effective treatment plans and secure physician approval.
• Administer therapy based on physician's treatment plan.
• Assist in training Restorative Aides in the nursing department.
• Supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants in patient care and related activities in accordance with state practice act.
• Maintain clear communication with supervisor and healthcare team regarding patient progress and treatment plans.
• Participate in:
  - Patient Care Conferences
  - Utilization Review meetings
  - Rehabilitation Conferences
• Conduct in-service training for facility staff.
• Complete documentation, including:
  - Evaluations
  - Daily treatment notes
  - Weekly progress notes
  - Recertification paperwork
• Update treatment plans and document changes per policy.
• Provide caregiver training and discharge planning support to families and nursing staff.
• Recommend and assist in ordering durable medical equipment (e.g., walkers, canes, grab bars).
• Report issues with department equipment to ensure proper maintenance.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with patients, families, staff, and colleagues.
• Supervise:
  - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs)
  - Aides
  - Students

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical/Computer Skills:
  - Proficient in using Casamba and Point Click Care (or similar programs).
• Language Skills:
  - Ability to read technical procedures and policy manuals.
  - Effective verbal communication with managers, coworkers, and families.
• Mathematical Skills:
  - Ability to apply basic math concepts like fractions, ratios, and percentages.
• Reasoning Ability:
  - Capable of solving practical problems and interpreting various types of instructions (written, oral, diagrams, schedules).

Physical Demands

• Very Frequent:
  - Standing, walking, pushing/pulling, talking, hearing, tasting, smelling
• Frequent:
  - Reaching with hands and arms
• Occasional:
  - Sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling
• Lifting:
  - Exerting over 100 lbs occasionally, 50 lbs frequently, and 20 lbs constantly
• Vision Requirements:
  - Close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception
  - Ability to adjust focus

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy (required)
  - Preferred: Master's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
• Not specifically mentioned but expected to align with educational background.
• Must be a licensed Occupational Therapist in the state.
• Must meet continuing education requirements per state regulations.
• License must remain in good standing with the state board.