Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will implement the plan of care as established by the therapist and the physician in a professional, competent manner, upholding excellence with quality of care. The COTA will communicate with facility staff and provide support to the facility through training and in-services as needed.

• Screen all residents in the facility on a quarterly basis to identify those who have experienced declines in their functional abilities and determine if therapeutic intervention is indicated.
• Evaluate residents per MD order and establish appropriate treatment plans and goals that meet the specific needs of the individual.
• Re-assess patients and caseload as appropriate to determine the need for continued services or discontinuation of services based on patient progress.
• Carry out treatment program as indicated.
• Provide thorough discharge planning that will allow the patient to function at a maximal level of independence in the least restrictive environment.
• Educate staff, families, and caregivers as indicated.
• Identify needs for program development and implement programs according to company policies and procedures.
• Identify equipment needs of the therapy department and order equipment according to company policy and procedure.
• Complete all required documentation according to guidelines specified in the documentation manual.
• Coordinate in-services for facility staff as the need is determined to ensure safe and effective carryover of maintenance/restorative programs and overall care of the residents.
• Attend all meetings required by the facility.
• Supervise therapy assistants/techs as set forth in PT/OT/ST state regulations.

Licensing Requirements

The COTA must maintain active Texas state licensure for Therapy Assistant.

Physical demands

Lifting 1–50 lbs - Frequent
Lifting 50+ lbs - Occasionally

Carrying 1–25 lbs - Frequent
Carrying 25–50+ lbs - Occasionally

Pushing / Pulling 1–50 lbs - Frequent
Pushing / Pulling 50+ lbs - Occasionally

Sliding / Transferring 1–50 lbs - Frequent
Sliding /Transferring 50+ lbs - Occasionally

Standing / Walking - Frequently
Sitting / Balancing / Crouching / Crawling - Rarely
Speaking / Hearing / Seeing - Frequently
Stooping / Kneeling - Occasionally
Reaching - Occasionally
Turning / Twisting / Leaning - Occasionally

Driving - Rarely