Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - PRN

Occupational Therapy Assistant

The occupational therapy assistant is a skilled technical worker who performs occupational therapy treatments and related duties as assigned by the occupational therapist. This work is carried out under the direction and supervision of the occupational therapist in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state within which the assistant practices.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an AOTA accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Program and initially certified or eligible for certification by the NCBOT.
• Currently licensed, certified, or registered in the state in which the occupational therapy assistant will be practicing if the state so requires.

Competencies Required

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and equipment used in occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the possible hazards to patients and necessary precautionary measures during treatment.
• Ability to understand and follow the directions of the occupational therapist pertaining to treatment programs, documentation and the policies and procedures of the location served.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, family and other personnel and to obtain their cooperation in the treatment prescribed.
• Must demonstrate professional attitude, behavior and appearance.
• Ability to work cooperatively with all departments and disciplines following established policies, procedures or guidelines of the location served.
• Ability to perform the mental, physical, and emotional requirements of the job.
• Must be able to take direction from the occupational therapist in an accurate and professional manner.

Physical Demands

• Able to lift 50-60 pounds, as needed.
• Able to transfer, lift, and guard patients safely with appropriate level of assistance and without likelihood of injury to the patient or self.
• Able to bend, stoop, squat, and lift numerous times daily.
• Able to carry out fine motor and manual dexterity skills required to perform occupational therapy treatments for the assigned caseload.
• Able to see and hear adequately in order to respond to auditory and visual needs and clinical indications of the assigned caseload.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy services under the direction of the occupational therapist.
• Assist the occupational therapist when performing tests, evaluations, and treatment procedures. Assist in collecting data in accordance with professional standards and state regulations.
• Observe, record and report to the therapist, the conditions, reactions, and responses of patients.
• Maintain documentation according to procedures of the location served and assures that legal and third party reimbursement requirements are met.
• Assist the occupational therapist in consulting with patients, family members, and other health care professionals as appropriate.
• Assist the occupational therapist with in-service programs and other activities as assigned.
• Assist with regular checks for safety, care, and cleaning of equipment and maintenance of safe, clean and professional work area and other related items as requested.
• Must be able to maintain patient information as confidential.
• Must be aware of the effects, consequences, and ramifications of treatment procedures.
• Assist occupational therapist as directed in performing public relations functions including contacts with the medical and general community in promoting occupational therapy services.
• Assuring Resident Safety