Inpatient Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

We’re making Maryland stronger!
With roots that go as far back as 1895, the UM Rehab & Ortho Institute continues to be a pioneer in orthopedics and neurological disorders. From bones to brains, our cutting-edge hospital heals even the most serious of injuries, specializing in everything from total joint replacement to spinal cord injuries and neurological condition. In total, our 141-bed facility welcomes over 3,000 patients every year. As the state’s largest provider of inpatient rehabilitation services, we offer some of the most advanced therapies for stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic and sports injury, among many others.

General Summary

• Assists in providing treatment to patients through a program of specified activities in the therapy plan of treatment.
• The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age, culture, ethnicity, and specific individual diagnostic needs of the patients served in his/her department.
• Works under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist in the hospital
• Consistently expresses and demonstrates compassion and courtesy for patients. Extend s courtesy and support to patient's families/visitors.
• Positions supervised may include staff COTAs, Therapy Aides, students and volunteers.
• He/she must be able to assess and interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s specific needs and provide the care needed by the patient group (pediatric, adolescents and/or geriatric patient group, culture and diagnostic specific).

Education & Experience

• Current certification as an Occupational Therapist by the NBCOT.
• Current licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with the State of Maryland.
• Current CPR card.
• An associate degree from an accredited college or university in occupational therapy is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient knowledge of occupational therapy theory and practice techniques. General knowledge of orthopedics, plastics, pediatrics, neurology, psychology, psychiatry, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, general medicine and the occupational therapy treatment implications of each.
• Ability to oversee and direct the work of occupational therapy and support staff.
• Highly effective verbal communication skills including courtesy, resourcefulness and efficiency in answering questions, giving directions, locating staff and explaining hospital/departmental policies and procedures are necessary.
• Verbal communication skills may include communicating with an interdisciplinary team, patients, and families.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are required in order to work with patients, therapists, medical and nursing staff successfully and to document patient progress, quality assurance activities.
• Effective writing skills are also required in order to take messages and maintain miscellaneous records, receipts, reports and logs.

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