GENERAL PURPOSE
The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) / Activity Professional assists the Life Enrichment Director in the organization, direction, and implementation of activities for all residents at Gracedale Nursing Home. The individual in this position is responsible for practicing ethical and professional behaviors related to the field of Life Enrichment, and for meeting the interests and physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of all residents.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Life Enrichment Director.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position is responsible for the indirect supervision of the Life Enrichment Recreation Aides.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Plans, organizes, and implements all scheduled activities, including workshops, trips, social/special events, and religious activities.
Maintains supplies and equipment, prepares and completes projects, and adapts activities to meet residents' needs.
Responsibilities on assigned units include: initial evaluations, documentation of attendance and status through progress notes, total plans of care goals, and conducting life enrichment programs.
Participates in departmental meetings, interdisciplinary patient care plan meetings, and in-services.
Cooperates and maintains good working relationships with other staff members and volunteers.
Operates Life Enrichment Department equipment including large screen television, VCR, iPad, DVD player, CD player, computer, cell phone, van, and bus.
Responsible for the transportation of residents to and from activity programs.
Responsible for remaining alert to the mental and physical needs of all residents during activities. Must recognize residents' limitations, and report any problems to the immediate supervisor.
Assists with staff orientation, as needed.
*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various @types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy, or an alternative degree with major course work in the field of recreation or occupational therapy; OR
The possession of an Activity Professional Certification such as Activity Directors Certification (ADC) or Activity Professional Certified (APC); AND
At least one (1) year of satisfactory full-time professional experience in providing therapeutic recreation services in a long-term patient care facility; AND
All employees of Gracedale Nursing Home will be required to attend Feeding Program training; AND
Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license. Must have an acceptable driving record.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of goals, objectives, principles, and practices pertaining to life enrichment in long term care.
Thorough knowledge of life enrichment methods and techniques applicable to individuals in an inpatient nursing facility.
Thorough knowledge of physical, mental, emotional, and other factors affecting geriatric patients' needs, interests, and capacities.
Thorough knowledge of governmental regulations and requirements governing life enrichment.
Thorough knowledge of the organization, functions, and operations commonly found in inpatient care facilities and their relationship to the administration of life enrichment services.
Ability to plan and assign the work of lower-level staffmembers and volunteers engaged in providing life enrichment services.
Ability to assess individual patient needs, design activity plans which address those needs, and coordinate efforts with medical, social, and other care.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of social, community and other organizations, and residents including securing their participation in life enrichment activities.
Ability to operate a computer to enter information into established programs and produce finished copy.
Ability to maintain records of activities and prepare reports of same.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), writing implements, life enrichment equipment, hammer, screwdriver, pliers, video equipment, VCR, large screen television, CD player, iPad, DVD player, van and/or bus, stove, microwave, electric frying pan, vacuum cleaner, blender, glue gun, scissors, sewing machine, and other related equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.
The employee must occasionally support and/or maneuver heavy patients of limited physical capacity.
The 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in resident care and therapy room environments.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud in resident care areas and in therapy sessions.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION: CAREER SERVICE
PAY GRADE: GU-09
UNION STATUS: AFSCME GRACEDALE
Updated July 2025
