Occupational Therapy Asst

JOB DESCRIPTION

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Department: Rehabilitation 

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Director of Rehabilitation

Overview of the Position: 

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant supports occupational therapists provide and occupational therapy treatments and procedures. The Occupational Therapist Assistant may, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments.    

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Works with occupational therapists to plan, implement, and administer educational, vocational, and recreational programs to restore and enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments. Selects therapy activities to fit patients’ needs and capabilities. Observes and records patients’ progress, attitudes, and behavior, and maintains this information in client records.

• Communicates and collaborates with other health care professionals involved with the care of a patient.

• Instructs or assists in instructing patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, and the care and use of adaptive equipment. Implements or assists occupational therapists with implementing treatment plans to help clients function independently.

• Evaluates daily living skills and capacities of physically, developmentally or emotionally disabled clients. Aids patients in dressing and grooming.

• Assembles, cleans, and maintains equipment and materials for patient use.

• Alters treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.

• Demonstrates therapy techniques such as manual and creative arts or games.

• Teaches patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.

• Transports patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.

• Attends care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.

• Performs clerical duties such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, and documenting health insurance billings.

• Orders educational and treatment supplies.
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• General understanding of occupational therapy and medical terminology.

• Strong patient care skills.
  
  

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree or job-related vocational training. 

• Certification and/or licensing may be required by state law. 
  
  

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
  
• Prolonged periods of standing, reaching, and bending. 
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds at times. 
  

Environmental conditions:

Inside work, normal temperatures, some noise, occasional fumes/odors, chemical exposure and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

This job cannot be performed without exposure to the stresses associated with an intimate, 24 hour skilled care environment that delivers care and services primarily to disabled and cognitively impaired residents in an aging population.  Examples of these stresses include, but are not limited to: emergency health or safety response, weekend and holiday duty, unusual or impaired behavior by residents, family reactions to having a loved one in a nursing home, death and dying, oversight of state surveyors, ombudsmen and federal officials, presence of consultants and attorneys, and variable involvement of medical staff.

HIPAA is a law that must be followed by all healthcare personnel at every level.  This position is a Mandated Reporter regarding the suspicion of elder abuse and may have access to Protected Health Information (PHI).