PACE Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Position Summary: 

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is responsible under the supervision of the PACE Therapy Supervisor, and under the direction of the Occupational Therapist, for execution of a program of occupational therapy for PACE patients to help them to remain independent and live safely in the community. Additionally, the COTA executes occupation therapy programs tailored to each participant’s needs.  The COTA encourages participation in tasks and therapies designed to restore, reinforce and enhance independence and productivity following illness or injury.  The COTA serves the center’s geriatric population consisting of PACE participants to help them remain independent and continue to live safely in the community.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Under the direction of the Occupational Therapist implements individualized and group occupational therapy treatments for patients enrolled in PACE and accessing day services.
• Under the direction of the Occupational Therapist implements the individualized plan of care to decrease or eliminate disability, increase or maintain capability for independence, and develop function to a maximum level.  Makes recommendations to modify treatments as needed.
• Ensure that the individual plan of care is being followed.
• Guide patients and caregivers in the use of adaptive devices and therapeutic, creative and self-care activities for improving function.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and makes recommendations to modify goals as necessary.
• Record and sign treatments in the patient's health record. 
• Ensure services provided are in a therapeutic setting conducive to restoring dignity and self-esteem to all patients.
• Assists the Occupational Therapist to ensure that required equipment and supplies for the Occupational therapy program are available or ordered as needed.
• Keeps abreast of all regulations and standards to ensure compliance with orders or directives issued by duly constituted government/regulatory agencies (PACE, CMS, DHCS, etc.)
• Participate in training programs for staff and caregivers.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and follow established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
• Adheres to and models SYHC’s core values and behaviors of Excellence, Empowerment, Integrity and Respect.
• Adheres to SYHC and PACE attendance and punctuality policies and practices. Must adhere to schedule shift established by Supervisor and/or Center Manager
• Attend meetings as required and participate on committees as directed.
• Able to perform MAX A transfers.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Job Requirements

Education Required:

• Must be a graduate of an accredited Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant program in the State of CA, with an associate degree or higher in the discipline. 

Experience Required:

• 2 years of field experience with geriatric population beyond completion of degree requirements.

Certifications Required:

• Must be certified as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the state of CA.
• A reliable form of transportation
• BLS/CPR Certification
• Passing scores on national and state examinations

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Excellent oral, written communication, and interpersonal skills. 
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Ability to maintain therapeutic relationships and to participate in a multi-cultural, multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates commitment to organizational Core Values.

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Knowledge and principles and methods for treatment and rehabilitation of disabilities and functional impairments.
• Ingenuity and imagination in adapting modalities to individual needs.
• Familiarity with the Older Americans Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Area Agencies on Aging.
• Patience and strong interpersonal skills.

Equipment Used:

• Parallel Bars
• Full-view mirror
• Overhead pulley and weights
• Set of training stairs
• Treatment table
• Hoyer/Maxi lift
• Sit to stand lift
• Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and other ambulation aides.
• Physical modalities agents such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation machines.
• Bikes, treadmills, and other exercise equipment.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods.
• Occasional lifting of heave objects.
• Ability to assist patients with transfers, mobility and physical activities as required.
• Commitment to long-term care in a community setting and promoting maximum patient independence and functional ability.
• May face hazards from moving heavy equipment and lifting patients or helping them turn, stand, or walk.

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.

About Us San Ysidro Health is a Federally Qualified Health Care organization committed to providing high quality, compassionate, accessible and affordable healthcare services for the entire family. The organization was founded by seven women in search of medical services for their families and community. Almost 50 years later, San Ysidro Health now provides innovative care to over 108,000 patients through a vast and integrated network of 47 program sites across the county. San Ysidro Health could not serve our patients without the dedication of our passionate and hardworking employees. Apply today and become a part of our mission-driven team! San Ysidro Health has a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity for all applicants for employment.  Employment decisions including, but not limited to, those such as employee selection, performance evaluation, administration of benefits, working conditions, employee programs, transfers, position changes, training, disciplinary action, compensation, and separations are made without regard to race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming), creed, national origin, nationality, citizenship status, domestic partnership status, ancestry, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, civil union status, family status, age, mental or physical disability (including AIDS or HIV-related status), atypical heredity cellular or blood trait of an individual, genetic information or refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available the results of a genetic test, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.