Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - COTA

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) at High Desert PACE plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of life and functional independence of our elderly participants. Under the direction and supervision of the Rehab Manager and in close collaboration with the Occupational Therapist (OT), the COTA executes personalized care plans designed to help seniors overcome medical and health-related challenges.

By providing direct therapeutic interventions, training participants in the use of adaptive equipment, and educating families and staff, the COTA serves as a vital bridge between clinical assessment and daily functional success. This position supports the High Desert PACE mission by ensuring that participants can safely "age in place" with dignity, improved mobility, and the highest possible level of self-sufficiency.

Direct Participant Care & Treatment

• Implement Care Plans: Deliver occupational therapy treatments as indicated by the OT’s assessment and the participant’s specific plan of care.
• ADL & Functional Training: Assist participants in improving their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and functional movements.
• Adaptive Equipment Expertise: Train participants in the proper use of durable medical equipment (DME) and adaptive tools, such as shower chairs, hip kits, and sock aides.
• Safety & Body Mechanics: Provide orientation and training for staff regarding safe body mechanics and the use of lift equipment to prevent injury.

Clinical Collaboration & Documentation

• OT Partnership: Provide regular updates to the OT regarding participant status, progress, or decline; collaborate on adjustments to therapy goals.
• Interdisciplinary Participation: Attend and contribute to various meetings, including morning huddles, team meetings, and family conferences across various settings (nursing facilities, hospitals, or assisted living).
• Documentation: Complete all clinical documentation in a timely manner, including detailed daily notes and formal progress reports.

Participant Education & Supervision

• Advocacy & Education: Educate staff, participants, and family members on the scope of therapy services available within the rehab department.
• Restorative Care Oversight: Train and supervise restorative aides, ensuring their performance aligns with departmental policies and reporting progress to the supervisor.
• Home-Based Care: When necessary, utilize a personal vehicle to provide essential therapy services within the participant's private residence.

Education & Training

• Degree: Associate’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.
• Licensure: Active, valid Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in the state of California.
• Certifications: Current CPR certification required.

Experience & Health Requirements

• Geriatric Care: Minimum of one (1) year of documented experience working with a frail or elderly population (appropriate clinical placement experience may be considered).
• Health Clearance: Must be medically cleared for communicable diseases with all immunizations up to date prior to participant contact.

Skills & Abilities

• Professionalism: Ability to interface with the public and government agencies in a patient and professional manner.
• Adaptability: Must be well-organized, resourceful, and flexible with scheduling to meet participant needs.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work collegially within an interdisciplinary team.

Working Conditions

The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Primarily, work indoors.
• Usually have their own office or a shared office space
• Are exposed daily to participants who have diseases or infections.
• Wear protective clothing such as a gown, masks, and gloves, as needed.
• Work very close to others, especially when examining participants.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and/or stand.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.