Occupational Therapy Assistant

Summary :

Under the general supervision of the clinical manager for Rehabilitation Services and under the direct supervision of the occupational therapist the certified occupational therapy assistant is responsible for individual and group treatments for an assigned caseload.

The certified occupational therapy assistant coordinates treatment programs designed to assist patients throughout the continuum from birth to adolescence and adult to geriatric stage depending upon area of expertise.

Responsibilities :

• The occupational therapy assistant coordinates programs to assist patients with various cognitive perceptual behavioral and physical disabilities to optimize their highest level of functioning in ADLs.
• Performs direct and indirect patient care to inpatients and outpatients.
• Consults with referring physicians various disciplines patients and families regarding the patients treatment program.
• Reviews patients medical and psychological treatment and protocols pertinent to the particular case.
• Assist supervising OTR in administration of various tests fine-motor coordination evals strength and ROM measurements.
• Independently evaluates patients level of functioning in ADLs.
• In collaboration with the OTR establishes therapy goals and formulates a treatment plans and under the direct supervision of the OTR applies a variety of OT techniques and modalities such as but not limited to : Exercise adaptive equipment ADLs splint construction fitting and monitoring.
• Monitors patient progress in conjunction with the OTR; re-establishes goals and revises treatment plans according to protocols physicians and others as appropriate.
• Attends regular supervision meetings team meetings treatment planning meetings and discharge planning meetings as appropriate.
• Under the supervision of the OTR refers patients for further evaluation to specialty physicians clinics or outside agencies such as DVR VNA or other community agencies for continuation of rehabilitation as needed.
• Documents in the medical record according to department standards; records daily stats and completes daily charge forms.
• Takes part in interdisciplinary planning for patient care via regular meetings with the supervising OTR P.T. Nursing Speech Social Service Discharge Planning.
• Participates in the departmental clinical competency program.
• Provides education to patient / caregivers / ancillary staff in order to facilitate the attainment of patient / caregiver / therapist goals.
• Trains and provides instructions to COTA students and volunteers as required.
• Attends clinics medical rounds conferences department meetings and inservices and mandatory hospital inservices as required.
• Provides inservices to OT and rehabilitation staff as appropriate.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities when for the safety and well being of patients and staff.
• Maintains proper body mechanics and posture in the treatment of patients.
• Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition.

Other information

BASIC KNOWLEDGE :

• Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Program.
• Has successfully completed the COTA examination.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE :

New graduate considered experience in an acute care or Rehabilitation setting preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in a psychological clinic for children and adolescents environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :

• May supervise and / or train occupational therapy assistants or students.
30+ days ago