Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant - Physical Therapy - PRN

Description

Summary:

Implements specific treatments and exercise programs for individual patients under the direction of an Occupational Therapist. Treats the impact of illness, injury, developmental or psychological impairments of the patient in the performance areas of Activities of Daily Living including; range-of-motion, grooming & hygiene, eating, dressing, toileting, driving, cooking, or working. Is responsible for assisting the patient to regain, develop, and learn skills to enable them to achieve optimal independence, reduce joint strain, prevent further joint damage and conserve energy.

Responsibilities:

• Carries out a program of activities and treatment interventions for assigned patients. Administers treatment & modalities to assist the patient in reaching his/her maximum rehabilitation potential through the use of ADL activities, splinting, ROM, endurance building, strengthening exercises, cognitive retraining, coordination & dexterity training. Has knowledge of indications and contraindications. Notifies the OT if treatment ordered is not indicated or modification is required.
• Communicates the treatment plan with the patient, his/her family and other healthcare workers as appropriate.
• Maintains contact with the OT regarding patient progress and participates in team/family conferences. 
• Applies appropriate treatments or modalities such as; therapeutic exercises, hot moist packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, paraffin, soft tissue mobilization, balance training and functional mobility training. Checking frequently with patient for tolerance of modality given. 
• Acquisitions appropriate equipment, checks equipment being used for safety, and communicates the use of the specific equipment to patient and family.
• Creates home programs for patients whenever indicated. Explains the program to patient, asking for return demonstrations and trains the family if necessary.
• Maintains records of all patient treatments as required, information must include but is not limited to, subjective & objective information, assessment and plan for each treatment given or recommended. Completes appropriate documentation for a specific area in which the therapy is provided. Completes the FIM documentation as required.
• Promotes the team approach to delivery of rehabilitation services, while serving as a representative in the field of Occupational Therapy.
• In collaboration with the rehabilitation team, develops and implements measures for quality assurance and participates in performance improvement activities. 
• Maintains professional competence through continuing education and participation in appropriate professional groups. Obtains professional continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. 
• Ensures charges correlate with treatment session documentation and length of time in therapy.
• Maintains productivity standards.

Requirements:

Education:

• Associates degree from an Occupational Therapist Assistant Program.

Experience:

• One year Occupational Therapy preferred.
• Demonstrates accountability and skills in assessment/evaluation, decision making and time management. Should have strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication and organizational skills.

Certifications, Registrations, or Licenses:

• Current State of New Mexico COTA licensure 
• BLS Required.

Work Schedule:

MULTIPLE SHIFTS AVAILABLE

Work Type:

Per Diem As Needed