Occupational Therapy Assistant

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Administers occupational therapy treatment as prescribed by physician. Notes effectiveness of treatment by observing patient progress and reports progress to occupational therapist. Maintains required patient and departmental records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:


EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:


1. Current or temporary physical therapy assistant licensure in the applicable state where services will be performed:

WV: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant through the West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy

2. CPR Certification.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.


1. Consults with physicians regarding treatments; observes and notes effectiveness of treatments; reports findings to therapist.


2. Notes patient diagnosis; takes precautions for observing indications and contraindications.


3. Administers individual therapy programs for patients under supervision of licensed occupational therapist using established specifications of program, including exercise, activities of daily living (ADL) training, and splinting as prescribed by physician.

• Treats patients with needs in the area of ADL training.
• Directs and aids patient in active and passive exercises, muscle reeducation and functional training.
• Instructs patients in care and use of special and/or adapted equipment.
• Treats patients with psychiatric needs.

4. Monitors patient closely during treatment; responds to patient needs.

5. Adapts conventional therapeutic techniques to meet needs of patients who are unable to comprehend verbal commands or voluntarily perform therapeutic exercise.

6. Records patient treatment and reports progress; has all progress notes cosigned by licensed occupational therapist according to departmental policy.


7. Instructs in and demonstrates therapeutic procedures to be continued by patient; provides home care instructions to patient and family.


8. Operates and maintains departmental therapeutic equipment properly.


9. Prepares treatment charges accurately for billing purposes.

10. Complies with hospital and departmental policies and procedures as well as government regulations.


11. Demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to provide care and education appropriate to the age of the patients served. (Neonatal 0-11 months, Pediatric 1-12 years, Adolescent 13-17 years, Adult 18-79 years, Geriatric 80+ years)

• Demonstrates knowledge of principles of growth and development.
• Notes information relative to patient's status and informs therapist of this information to aid in identifying the age specific needs of each patient.
• Maintains an understanding of the range of treatment necessary for each patient and provides appropriate care based on their age specific needs.

12. Maintains a current knowledge of treatment approaches and participates in continuing education and inservices.

13. Provides occupational therapy services in the home under the direction and supervision of the occupational therapist and according to established policies, procedures, standards. Specifically the occupational therapy assistant:

• Provides occupational therapy treatment and activities
• Promptly documents clinical notes
• Participates in orientation and in-service programs
• Complies with accepted professional standards and principles

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 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.


1. The national Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends minimizing the need for employees to manually lift patients, and limit safe patient handling to 35 pounds. All transfers, lifts and re-positioning will be completed utilizing the lift equipment and/or other patient handling aids as indicated by the patient's profile and appropriate algorithms. Details specific to therapeutic interventions outlined in Safe Patient Mobility Policy where applicable.
2. Heavy/Hard work: Work requires strength and/or stamina, lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, and carrying of materials and equipment weighing 40+lbs.
3. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


1. Exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids and different types of cleaning and laundry chemicals.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:


1. Ability to organize and prioritize time and tasks to achieve a well-coordinated work effort and to effectively meet work schedules including an ability to integrate multiple factors which may have an impact on patient care.

Additional Job Description:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40

Shift:

Exempt/Non-Exempt:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company:
WMCH Weirton Medical Center

Cost Center:
213 WMCH Occupational Therapy

Address:
601 Colliers Way

Weirton

West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.