Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Description

 

Position Summary: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is responsible for assisting in the practice of occupational therapy under the supervision or with the regular consultation of an occupational therapist (OT), including completing activities assessment and care plan implementation. The COTA collaborates with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans and implement activities programs across North Valley Hospital District and Extended Care.  May assist with OT outpatient caseload. 

 

Position Responsibilities:

 

Assessment and Evaluation:

•          Collaborates with the Occupational Therapist by providing standardized testing, treatment planning, and implementation of the plans of care
• Conduct assessments for swing bed programs either through providing direct activities or coaching others. 
• Assists Occupational Therapists by providing patient care through the completion of standardized assessments, treatment planning, OT treatment, and liaising between nursing, long-term care, and therapists, demonstrating leadership to carry out quality patient care.
• Educate patients and care providers on proper nutrition, healthy eating habits, and lifestyle changes.

 

Monitoring and Follow-Up:

• Monitor patient/resident progress and make adjustments to nutrition plans as needed.
• Conduct follow-up sessions to track adherence to dietary recommendations and address any concerns or challenges.

Collaboration with Healthcare Team:

• Work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient/resident care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss and plan comprehensive patient treatment.
•           Acts as a resource to promote occupational therapy and health and well-being by providing direction, leadership, and education to those within and outside the department.
• Prepares reports as needed.
• Participates on working committees to assist with quality audits and projects, establish work and communication flow, and support continuous quality improvement at all levels of nutritional service

Education and Outreach:

• Engage in community outreach activities, including workshops to promote the importance of nutrition and healthy living.Documentation and Record-Keeping:
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of patient assessments, interventions, and progress.
• Ensure compliance with relevant healthcare regulations and documentation standards, including medical record software systems.

 

Compliance:

•         Participates in hospital programs that promote health, well-being, and employee safety.
•         Participates in appropriate performance improvement and CQI activities.
•         Attend continuing education programs to enhance knowledge and skills.

 

Organization’s expectations of Employee:

·         Represents North Valley Hospital and facilities positively and professionally by exemplifying the vision, mission, values, and goals of North Valley Hospital.

·         Maintains attendance by working the hours of the position.  Follows policies and procedures regarding attendance, vacation, holidays, sick leave, and leaves of absence.

·         Uses the timekeeping applications efficiently and accurately.

·         Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and clean; wears name badge while on duty

·         Uses good customer service skills by relating to staff/healthcare providers, patients/residents, customers, and the general public in a courteous and diplomatic manner under all circumstances.

·         Compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.

·         Demonstrates the ability to make decisions, take appropriate action, and follow tasks through to completion.

·         Effectively collaborates with peers and team members, using tactful, diplomatic communication techniques in potentially sensitive or emotionally charged situations.

·         Demonstrates leadership responsibility and skills, including planning and completing duties with minimal directions from the supervisor when appropriate.

 

Physical Demands:  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.  Reasonable accommodations may be made as needed.

• Ability to lift and move patients and equipment.
• Extended periods of standing, bending, walking, sitting, squatting, and bending.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for performing therapeutic activities.
• Must have sensory and fine motor skills and ability for fine manipulation
• Ability to lift/push/pull 25-50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and color vision
• Sense of smell.

 

Mental requirements:  Must be able to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure; must be able to read, write, and speak clearly. 

 

Work Environment:

• Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, schools, outpatient clinics, or community settings.
•         The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Exposure to diverse patient populations and conditions.
• Working inside in close quarters with co-workers, other providers or patients
• Collaboration with healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physicians.
• Exposures:  muscular strain, body fluids, behavior or patients/residents, infectious material, chemicals/cleaning solutions, potential allergens, noxious odors

 

 

This document is intended to describe the general duties required of this position.  It is not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities.

Requirements

 

Role Qualifications:

• Associate's degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.
• Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Washington State licensure as an occupational therapy assistant.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Compassion and empathy for individuals facing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to assist patients with mobility and activities of daily living.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record-keeping.
• Commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

 

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and organized, make appropriate and timely decisions and task completion. 
• Demonstrated capacity for compassion and empathy for individuals facing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
• Able to work clinically with patient populations pediatric through geriatric.
• The ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Summary

 

Join the dedicated team at North Valley Hospital District (NVHD) and make a difference in the heart of the stunning Okanogan Valley! We are deeply committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care that supports the health and well-being of our vibrant community.

Nestled in a region renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, endless outdoor recreation opportunities, and close-knit community spirit, NVHD offers the perfect blend of professional fulfillment and quality of life. Whether hiking scenic trails, exploring nearby lakes, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, our location is as enriching as our work.

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact, value collaboration, and thrive in a mission-driven organization, NVHD is the place for you. Join us in providing compassionate care to those who call this extraordinary region home!

Public hospital district providing community-based healthcare and extended care.