Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - Acute Care

Department Overview

The purpose of this position is to function as a member of the Rehabilitation services patient care team by providing occupational therapy services such as ADL training, energy conservation, splint fabrication for upper extremities, exercise, sensory integrations and perceptual/cognitive training to assist patients in improving their function at home and in the community. Treatment also included patient/family education, and various therapeutic procedures to assist patients in improving function, strength, endurance and functional mobility. Therapists are expected to supervise therapy interns, assist with other educational research activities conducted by the department or the hospital and meet hospital standards regarding documentation and productivity. This position may include weekend shift rotation.

Function/Duties of Position

Provides skilled rehabilitation treatment

• Prioritizes care needs given medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability and appropriateness to participate in rehabilitation
• Performs and documents skilled patient care activities, including direct treatment and caregiver/patient/family education
• Monitors and adjusts treatment plans specific to patient progress in collaboration with OTR/L
• Fabricates and adjusts splints to meet patient needs
• Communicates patient needs and promotes carryover of strategies, precautions, etc. with nursing and other caregivers
• Updates recommendations to team regarding continuing rehabilitation needs and plan as patient’s condition and situations warrant
• Directs, supports and provides supervision as required for aides and volunteers
• Develops and enhances patient care program and patient outcomes in specialty area
• Documents treatment and other patient contacts in patient’s medical record in compliance with DNV, OHSU, OAR’s and third-party payer criteria.

Service

• Demonstrates excellent customer service and communication skills in all interactions with patients and family, including both telephone and face-to- face situations.
• Demonstrates active listening skills and supportive, professional behavior at all times, to patients, families and staff
• Addresses complaints and problems promptly and courteously, involving management when indicated.
• Communicates with patients and families, other healthcare team members, in a timely and cost-efficient, courteous manner.

Care Coordination

• Collaborates with patient, family, and medical team in multidisciplinary patient rounds, ensuring a common level of understanding of the patient’s rehabilitation needs, and providing recommendations for rehab after discharge
• Requests patient/family conferences as appropriate, and participates in conferences representing department, heightens awareness of and advocates for rehab needs of patient
• Enhances patient safety both during and after hospitalization by assisting the team in problem-solving, including but not limited to vision, ADL, and cognition impairments
• Provides feedback and educates physicians, fellows, residents, and other health care providers about rehabilitation (including but not limited to medical necessity for skilled rehabilitation services and appropriate referrals and expectations for rehab outcome and intensity at various levels of care)

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant program from an accredited institution; AND

• Valid state license to practice as a COTA. 

• Current American Heart BLS CPR certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Acute hospital, SNF, inpatient rehab experience or student affiliation

Additional Details

Inpatient hospital environment. Ability to lift 40 lbs, repeatedly carry equipment weighing more than 5 lbs and walk extensively on hard and soft surfaces. Frequent bending and reaching to navigate medical equipment or perform treatment is required. Must have knowledge of inpatient medical environments and equipment such as oxygen, ventilation, respiratory apparatuses. Requires ability to respond quickly and appropriately to urgent medical situations that may arise.

 

Benefits:

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
• Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.