Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:  The Encore Rehab Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant assumes part- and/or full-time clinical responsibilities in an assigned facility. This is a professional position with the primary responsibility of direct patient care under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.

Qualifications: The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant must have: an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, a current license in the state, excellent oral and written communication skills, and knowledge of accreditation standards and compliance within state and federal regulations, related to the environment of treatment.

Duties and Responsibilities:    Every effort has been made to keep your job description as complete as possible.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant:

• Provides clinical services to appropriate residents under physician’s orders
• Reports information relating to the patient’s progress, complications, and/or response to treatment to the Occupational Therapist
• Assists Occupational Therapist in performing procedures, tests, and complex treatments to ensure the safe, effective evaluation and treatment of patients
• Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth and development by participating in continuing education programs and other appropriate learning experiences
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient, facility, and physician-related information
• Maintains accurate billing information, in accordance with procedures, on a daily basis
• Attends and participates in interdisciplinary meetings, as appropriate, to relay clinical findings and recommendations to other members of the rehab team
• Attends and participates in family meetings, as appropriate
• Adheres to documentation requirements of the Rehabilitation department and the facility
• Conducts staff training/education, as appropriate, via formal and informal in-services and consultations
• Reviews and follows the policies and procedures outlined by the facility and Rehab Policy and Procedure Manual
• Supervises non-professional staff, as appropriate

Team Dynamics:

• Effectively communicates with staff to accomplish goals and objectives
• Creates a work atmosphere that promotes cooperation, respect, flexibility, and teamwork amongst peers and staff

Safety and Sanitation:

• Follows all established safety procedures and precautions when operating equipment
• Reports equipment malfunctions or breakdowns to the program manager as soon as possible
• Reports all unsafe/hazardous conditions to the program manager immediately

Customer Service:

• Maintains an adequate liaison with families, residents, and patients
• Demonstrates awareness, respect, and concern for internal customers (coworkers) and external customers (i.e. patients, residents, families, physicians, referral sources)

Residents' Rights:

• Maintains CONFIDENTIALITY of all resident care information to assure resident rights are protected
• Assures that the resident's rights to fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy, property, and civil rights, including the right to wage complaints, are followed

Attendance:

• Observes rules, policies, and regulations with regard to attendance, punctuality, appearance, and professional attitude, as established by the facility

Miscellaneous:

• Conforms to the HIPAA Compliance Program and applicable facility policies for patient privacy
• Conforms to the facility’s policies and procedures

Physical:

• Able to stand two (2) plus hours without interruptions or breaks
• Able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 lbs. to a minimum of 4 feet or carry 50 lbs. a minimum of 2 feet
• Must be able to perform all patient transfers (including stand pivot, 2-person, sliding board, Hoyer Lift, non-weight bearing) safety and effectively, with or without mechanical devices
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift, and move intermittently throughout the day
• Must be able to assist with the evacuation of residents during emergency situations
• Must pass Medical and Physical examination based on job qualifications, requirements, and duties/responsibilities

Emotional:

• Must have the willingness to work with severely physically, emotionally, and cognitively compromised residents and patients
• Must be able to take direction from registered therapist and other team members to promote patient treatment and safety
• Must be willing to work in an environment with risk of personal injury, exposure to infectious waste/materials, infectious diseases, and odors
• Must be able to cope with the emotional stress associated with working with patients, families, and coworkers
• Must be able to work independently with periodic (daily or less) support and direction

Cognitive:

• Must be alert and attentive to patients and work environment throughout day
• Must be able to shift attention and task performance based on patient and facility requirements
• Must be able to work in a distractible and stimulating environment
• Must be able to read, understand, and comply with all facility-based policy procedures
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills

Sensory:

• Must have visual, hearing, and sensory skills adequate to preserve patient and personal safety