Certified Occupational Therapy Asst (COTA) - Acute care

The Occupational Therapist Assistant – COTA within the Wellness and Rehab Department assumes responsibility and accountability for the total care of a designated group of patients/client under the clinical direction of the authorizing Occupational therapist.  The Occupational Therapist Assistant provides occupational therapy treatments in accordance with established evidenced-based and best-practice guidelines, in accordance with system, hospital and departmental policies and guidelines and in accordance with federal and stated practice acts. 

General Responsibilities: 

1. Essential Functions of the position
   • Assessment: Administers appropriate informal and/or formal assessment procedures for all patient populations served as deemed within his/her scope of practice.
   • Planning - Administers treatment plan as set by the evaluating therapist and adheres to the goals and objectives based on analysis of the assessment and professional observations.
   • Treatment - Utilizes appropriate treatment methods based on functional needs of patient as discussed with the authorizing occupational therapist.
   • Education - Utilizes appropriate education and training to provide knowledge of illness and treatment needs as well as skills and behaviors that promote recovery and improve function.
   • Documentation - Completes appropriate documentation and communication of all aspects of patient care including interventions, and response to interventions, changes in status, reassessments, education and discharge under the supervision of the occupational therapist.
   • Professionalism - Utilizes sound professional judgment based on knowledge, skill, education, training and experience.
   • Clinical Application – Utilizes sound profession judgment based on knowledge of clinical practices, utilizing evidenced-based practice, and best-practice strategies.