Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant II

Title:                        Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) II

Department:           Community Services

Location:                 Low Vision Rehabilitation Center (LVRC)

Wage Category:     Exempt

Report To:              Assistive Technology, Manager         

Overview: The COTA II shall work with the Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Manager to deliver and develop occupational therapy and assistive technology services to internal employees and clients across all programs.  Participates in assessments and interventions across the lifespan to introduce and advocate for appropriate assistive technology devices.  Works with the Human Resources team to provide quarterly orientation for new employees to help bring awareness to the resources available to support them through the Community Services division.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Training and Evaluation:

• Provides occupational therapy services to clients under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist as designated by the facility under state regulations.
• Delivers direct therapy services, in discipline, per policy and procedure, and in compliance with applicable laws.
• Partners with Assistive Technology Manager to assess, deliver, and train on devices for low vision and blind clients and internal employees.
• Set up assistive technology assessment and training areas with proper equipment necessary for the effective treatment of clients.
• Partners with the Human Resources department to schedule quarterly orientation sessions with new B/VI employees to assess and train on any identified need(s).
• Coordinates and executes quarterly training for internal employees to include but not limited to typeability, Microsoft Office Suite, smartphone applications, and Paycom.
• Provide assistive technology training to a specialty population of children, adults, and older blind individuals with low vision or blindness and other disabilities.
• Provides, recommends/fabricates adaptive or assistive devices or other equipment; trains client, family, and other appropriate staff in the use or application of the above.

Professional Development:

• Travels to locations locally and across the State of Louisiana to provide onsite assistive technology assessment and training.
• Apply the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) standard of practice as a framework for professional responsibilities.
• Attends annual assistive technology conferences, such as California State University Northridge (CSUN) and Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) to expand the knowledge base of multiple assistive technologies, network with various resellers and distributors, and learn more about upcoming technology trends as they relate to therapeutic services.

• Takes a proactive approach to learning and becomes proficient in using and training on a variety of platforms within six (6) months of hire.
• Become and remain up to date in the use of and training others for the use of assistive technology, screen reading computer programs, and low vision aids.
• Motivated to learn intervention and compensatory strategies to address the unique challenges of those with low vision and blindness.

Data Collection:

• Maintain records that reflect client services: Evaluation, treatment, all communication regarding the client and their services and equipment, and any additional correspondence or billing with established documentation procedure.
• Assist with resolution of problems with clients and maintain written documentation.
• Complete and submit assessments/evaluations within the required timeframe.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in the healthcare industry obtained from an accredited program is preferred, though an Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant obtained from an accredited program with a minimum of three (3) years experience in the clinical field will be considered.
• Licensure in the State of Louisiana
• National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is required.
• Ability and desire to work with people who are blind and/or disabled.
• Ability to multi-task and work independently.
• Computer knowledge and proficiency, including use of Microsoft Office Suite.