Home Health COTA- Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook areas

Major Responsibilities:

• Implementation of Occupational Therapy treatment programs for patients with multiple and specialized diagnoses safely and effectively, as planned, in conjunction with OTR.
  •     Performs therapy treatment programs on inpatients and/or outpatients.
  •     Instructs patients and patients' families in home programs and provide education as needed.
  •     Trains patients in ADL skills and use of ADL equipment.
  •     Monitors patient response to treatment modifying as necessary.
  •     Follows established procedure and safety precautions in the application and use of modalities.
  •     Acts as an assistant to the OTR when the OTR is performing tests, evaluation, and treatment procedures.
  •     Conferences with physicians and other allied health professionals to make recommendations for occupational therapy treatment programs.
  •     Schedules patients according to need/priority.
  •     Maximizes support personnel by delegating as appropriate.
  • Shares treatment and office space.
  •     Shares office and treatment space.
• Documents and maintains appropriate records and productivity.
  •     Prepares, maintains, and transmits accurate patient documentation including, EMR, charges, and productivity logs.
  •     Prepares discharge summaries and evaluation notes to be cosigned by OTR/L.
  •     Observes and records patient’s progress throughout the treatment period to assure continuity of care and provide accurate records.
  •     Provides at least 5 billable hours/8 hour day inpatient; at least 6 billable hours/8 hour day outpatient treatment.
• Communicate information/observations to appropriate personnel.
  •     Communicates effectively with Supervisor and OT intra and interdisciplinary team members, as well as other hospital personnel to insure familiarization with the department’s purpose and functions; to promote cooperative and efficient working relationships and insure consistent, quality OT patient treatment.
  •     Attends and participates in department and multi-disciplinary meetings on regularly scheduled days and checks meeting minutes if unable to attend.
  •     Attends case conferences as indicated with physicians, nurses, other related personnel and family to discuss and evaluate patient’s condition, progress and plans for further OT
  •     Maintains OT equipment in proper working condition and reports any malfunction to the Physical Medicine Supervisor.
• Participation in Educational and Performance Improvement Activities.
  •     Presents a minimum of one in-service to OT and/or physical medicine staff annually.
  •     Attends department in-services on regularly scheduled days.
  •     Attends a minimum of one continuing education course annually.
  •     Provides in-service training to hospital personnel and OT staff regarding OT techniques and equipment as needed.
  •     Assists in student program by assisting with student observation opportunities. After 1 year of experience, COTA may also supervise a COTA student as assigned.
  •     Participates in performance improvement initiatives within the department or organization.
  •     Completes all mandatory competencies and CBTs within specified time frames.
  •     Keeps abreast of current practices via self-study, networking; internal and external resources.
• Performance of “Activities of Daily Living” evaluations and structured assessments as directed by an OTR.
  •     Beginning competency in ADL evaluations and contributes to overall initial intake evaluation as directed by OTR.
  •     Re-evaluation of patient at timely intervals for caseload and implement goal modification and co-signed by the OTR.
  •     Perform discharge assessment on caseload (outpatient) and contribute to discharge planning with patient treatment team.
• Assumes other related responsibilities as assigned.
  •     Includes but not limited to clerical, answering phones, customer service, etc.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Current AOTA Certification -Current IL/WI licensure or obtain IL licensure within 90-days of hire -Current CPR Certification

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, 

Education/Experience Required:

• -Graduate of an AOTA approved Occupational Therapy Assistant Program -Successful completion of two month supervised Level II fieldwork experience. -Successful completion of certification process.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• – Completion of fieldwork/program requirements.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• This position involves: bending, lifting, assisting patients to and from wheelchair, bed toilet which often requires physical strength, endurance and use of proper body mechanics. Set up of certain equipment requires upper body strength to tighten knobs, etc. Lift weights, push/pull. Physical stamina during emergency situations may be required and often can not be delegated. Perform CPR. May be scheduled to work weekend, holiday and evening shifts. Have access to transportation. Potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
• This requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 08/01/2014. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Addendum: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position will need to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e., understand child growth and development, normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs of normal aging, prior experience with various age groups is preferred. Requires use of universal precautions as appropriate.

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.