Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Salary Range $34.00 - $40.00 Hourly Level Entry Position Type Full Time Job Shift Any Education Level 2 Year Degree Travel Percentage None

Purpose of Your Job Position

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant provides direct rehab care in occupational therapy to patients upon physician referral and under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Job Functions

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. 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 an essential function of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Follow the treatment plan for patients under the direction of the supervising OT. Work closely with patients, family members and other care team members to adequately plan for patient needs, to include short term and long term goals. Verify patient information and confirm purpose of treatment. Monitor each movement to ensure the patient is performing them properly to avoid new/further injuries. Effectively communicate with supervisor and other health team members regarding patient progress, barriers, and treatment plans. Chart appropriately and timely. Assist the Occupational Therapist in patient development, recovery, and improving skills needed for daily functionalities. Must demonstrate dependability and regular attendance. Must utilize good body mechanics at all times. Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actions.

Personnel Functions

Maintain an excellent working relationship within the Therapy team and cross functionally. Report occupational exposures of blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents. Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the facility.

Staff Development

Attend and participate in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain any applicable licenses. Attend meetings and in-services as required. Complete assigned Relias training timely.

Equipment and Supply Functions

Recommend to the DOR equipment and supply needs for the department. Make periodic rounds to check equipment and to assure that necessary equipment is available and working properly. Clean equipment. Check supply rooms to assure that needed supplies are on hand. Ensure that all therapy equipment is operating in a safe manner. Ensure that therapy supplies are used in an efficient manner to avoid waste. Ensure that appropriate cleaning supplies are on hand to perform necessary clean-up.

Care Plan and Assessment Functions

May assist in the development of preliminary and comprehensive assessments of the therapy needs of each patient. Develop and maintain a good rapport with all services involved with the care plan to ensure that a team effort is achieved in developing a comprehensive plan of care. Resident Rights. Maintain the confidentiality of all patient care information. Know and practice the Center's policy on patient/residents rights.

Miscellaneous

Be sure that appropriate protective clothing/devices are on hand and used for handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids. Flexibility with schedule to cover the needs of the department.

Working Conditions

Works in the Therapy gym, patient rooms, in offices, as well as throughout the Center. Move continuously during working hours. Subject to frequent interruptions. Involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances. Communicate with the medical staff, nursing services, and other department supervisors. Work beyond normal working hours, on weekends and in other positions temporarily, when necessary. Subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.). Subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the day, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, and other air contaminants. Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Qualifications

Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public. Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle patients based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning. Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing services. Must be able to relate information concerning a patient's condition. Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace. Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices) Must be able to move continuously throughout the work day. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position. Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met. Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with patients, personnel and support agencies. Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility. Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds. Requires pushing, pulling, lifting, kneeling, squatting, crawling, stooping, bending, walking and the ability move freely from one position to another. May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations. Education and Certification Requirement Current COTA License CPR/BLS Certification