COTA (TR/PRN DAYS)

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) at Riverside Healthcare provides vital support to licensed Occupational Therapists in delivering therapeutic interventions aimed at improving patients' ability to perform daily activities. This role involves implementing individualized therapy plans, assisting with therapeutic exercises, and helping patients achieve their rehabilitation goals. The COTA works closely with patients to facilitate recovery and enhance their quality of life, playing a crucial role in the overall success of the occupational therapy program. Implement and deliver therapeutic interventions as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist, including exercises, activities, and the use of adaptive equipment.

Essential Duties

• Assist patients with therapeutic activities designed to improve their functional abilities, mobility, and daily living skills.
• Monitor and document patient progress, communicating any changes or concerns to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Educate patients and their families on therapy techniques, home exercises, and strategies for maximizing therapy benefits.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe therapy environment by preparing equipment and ensuring it is in good working condition.
• Collaborate with the occupational therapy team and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and coordinated patient care.
• Participate in the development of treatment plans by providing feedback and observations based on patient responses and progress.
• Participates in Quality Improvement efforts, e.g., Journal Clubs, in-services, Magnet, chart auditing, etc. 
• Participate in care team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education to stay current with best practices in COTA.
• Provide mentorship or support to occupational therapy interns or new staff as needed.
• Actively participates in designated marketing programs (inpatient or outpatient)
• Meets the following productivity percentage on outpatient and inpatient rehab and Acute: less than or equal to 79.99 (NI), 80-83.99 (meets), greater that 84 (exceeds).
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Non-essential Duties

• Assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling patient appointments and managing therapy supplies as needed.
• Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in occupational therapy

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You:

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so your journey at and away from work is remarkable.  Our Total Rewards package includes:

Compensation

• Base compensation within the position’s pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:

• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in an occupational therapy or rehabilitation setting is preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Ability to lift and assist patients safely, handle therapy equipment, and manage therapy-related tasks.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow detailed therapy plans.

Required Licensure/Education

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Illinois.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Clorazene, Wexide, Unicide, Germicidal wipes, Liquid paper.
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Occasionally during ADL's when working with patients on toileting, bathing, and feeding. Occasionally during treatments involving wounds.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Whatever hazards that may exist in patient rooms. Minimal.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Needed to give directions. 
• Vision: Needed to evaluate gestures and movements.
• Smell: N/A
• Hearing: Needed to adequately communicate. 
• Touch: Needed for palpation of musculature and skin, to assess temperature, to distinguish between hot/cold, sharp/dull, etc..

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to: 

• Sit: 35%
• Twist: 2%
• Stand: 20%
• Crawl: 1%
• Walk: 20%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 1%
• Squat: 5%
• Climb: 2%
• Bend: 3%
• Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required 
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required 
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Demonstration of proper mechanics for lift/carry; set-up for evaluations, treatment programs.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 60 
• Twist: 5
• Stand: 30
• Crawl: 5
• Walk: 30
• Kneel: 5 
• Lift: 10
• Drive: 60
• Squat: 5
• Climb: 5
• Bend: 5
• Reach above shoulders: 5

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): 

• Simple grasp up to 15 lbs. 
• Normal weight: Often
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: 50-200#
• Fine Manipulation: Keyboarding & writing often and for lengthy periods during the day. May also push wheelchairs.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Required elevating table in order to allow room for wheelchair armrests. Operating vehicle for home evaluations.

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 7 
• Outside hours : 1
• Temperature: Normal Range 
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average 
• Humidity: Normal Range 
• Atmosphere: Odors, Dust

Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical: General use of exercise equipment and computers, modalities. Chemical additives for whirlpools, disinfectants.

Protective Clothing Required: Gown, gloves or mask when indicated.