Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Summary

Under supervision of an Occupational Therapist, plans and implements specific treatment programs for neonatal through geriatric patients according to accepted Occupational Therapy practices and principles. These treatment programs will be performed within an interdisciplinary framework.

Supervises the Following Positions

Positions: Students, Volunteers, and Observers

Physical Requirements

• The ability to perform the duties and responsibility of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
• The ability to consistently lift, push or pull loads of up to fifty (50) pounds. (Unless nursing 50)
• Sufficient strength, mobility and stamina to make frequent location and position changes, assist with patient care, and perform other physical activities of average difficulty.
• Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the requirements will still be considered fully qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodations.
• May be exposed to infectious or contagious disease.
• May have to handle emergency situations.
• May be subject to irregular hours.
• May be required to wear protective equipment such as eye protection, face protection, masks, sterile/nonsterile gloves, isolation gowns.
• May be exposed to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents.           
• Physical activities include continuous sitting, and occasional walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling and twisting.
• Activity Conditions (Occasionally, Frequently, Continuously):
  • Sitting- Occasionally  
  • Walking- Frequently
  • Standing- Frequently
  • Bending-Frequently  
  • Squatting - Frequently  
  • Climbing-Occasionally
  • Kneeling-Occasionally
  • Twisting-Occasionally

Visual and Hearing Requirements

• Must be able to see with corrective eye wear.
• Must be able to hear clearly with assistance

Working Conditions

Primarily Works in a well-lighted and air-conditioned environment with period of heavy workload and stress. This role may include working in less-than-ideal home conditions, which can include exposure to extreme temperatures and environments that may not meet typical cleanliness standards such as clutter, unkept surfaces, and homes with pets. Works in various conditions.

Performance: Essential Functions

Decision Making: Ability to make decisions and takes appropriate action based on the information they have. Recognizes own limitations and consults with the supervisor, manager, or team member when appropriate.

Time Management: Works efficiently and manages duties to ensure that tasks are completed with accuracy and within the scheduled shift or reasonable amount of time.

Quality & Quantity: Demonstrates accurate, knowledge and skill to carry out job duties. Follows departmental work policies and procedures. Speed and consistency of output and time utilization of job duties.

Computer Knowledge & Electronic Equipment Use: Demonstrates ability to consistently utilize electronic equipment and online computer programs to perform job duties, including electronic documentation, and order entry.

Resource Utilization: Consistently utilizes and maintains supplies and equipment to minimize lost charges and unnecessary equipment repair-replacement.

Confidentiality: Adheres to established policies on privacy and security requirements for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as applicable by Shannon Policy.

Performance: Position Specific Essential Functions

• Acts as an assistant to the Occupational Therapist in all patient activities and supervises activities as assigned for patients ranging in age from infancy to geriatric.
• Assists in the initial assessment as requested by the occupational therapist, through data collection form a variety of sources as patient records, interviews, observations, and team members.
• Conducts a program of exercise and treatment for assigned patients as determined by the occupational therapist; ensures the OT programming remains within the patient's capabilities as previously indicated and coordinates with the medical and nursing care plans; monitors medical precautions for patients during therapy sessions.
• Assists with identification of the need for adaptive equipment and training in order to help patients regain physical and cognitive functions. Instructs patients on proper use of prosthetic applications and devices.
• Communicates observations, facts, and comments to the HH OT and interdisciplinary team members, individually through team meeting presentations as appropriate.
• Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department.
• Establishes rapport and works cooperatively with interdisciplinary team member (including family and physicians) throughout the patient's intervention program. Projects professional image through attire, mannerisms, attendance, and punctuality
• Maintains department policies and procedures, objectives and quality assurance/ improvement programs, safety environment and infection control. Assists with maintenance of departmental supplies and equipment; participates in departmental program development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Required
  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Completion of an accredited Occupational Therapy- Assistant program

Experience: N/A

Certification/Licensure:

• Required
  • Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant