Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Description

Job Summary: Responsible for directing, modifying and administering occupational therapy modalities and treatment as supervised by the staff occupational therapist. Administers treatments and physical agents as directed by the staff occupational therapist, after the occupational therapist has evaluated the patient. The OTA assists with restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and levels of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The OTA participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. Provides input in formulating budget, assists in evaluating department performance versus budget controls and takes appropriate action to remain within budget guidelines. Participates in all infection control, departmental equipment training, organizational and fire safety programs, and all other tasks as assigned.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

• •Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the staff occupational therapist. Adheres to standards of occupational therapy practice. Follows treatment plans and/or appropriate procedure for changing treatment plans.
• •Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, discusses observations, and makes appropriate recommendations with staff occupational therapist.
• •Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.
• •Assists with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assess effectiveness of learning; family is included in teaching as appropriate, staff occupational therapist is apprised of conclusions.
• •Demonstrates knowledge of occupational therapy modalities.
• •Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family.
• •Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• •Interacts professionally with patient and family and involves them in the formation of the plan of care.
• •Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, facility staff and members of the department.
• •Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient’s needs are met and facility policy is followed.
• •Maintains records pertinent to personnel and operation of the department.
• •Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• •Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• •Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• •Participates in performance improvement activities for department and organization.
• •Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• •Participates in educational staff performance improvement in-services. Assists with orientation and in-service training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs

Requirements

Professional Requirements:

• •Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• •Completes annual educational requirements.
• •Maintains current knowledge of hospital policy; Joint Commission, state and other regulatory requirements.
• •Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• •Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• •Completes in-services and returns in timely fashion.
• •Attends all staff and committee meetings. Reads and returns all monthly staff meeting minutes when meetings are missed. Attends other facility meetings as appropriate.
• •Completes necessary supervision of students and collaborates with supervising therapist and clinical instructor as required.

Education/Regulatory Requirements & Experience:

• •Associates degree from an ACOTE®-accredited occupational therapy assistant program.
• •Current Oklahoma Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure required.
• •CPR which can be obtained during orientation period.
• •Previous work history that demonstrates steady attendance and punctuality is required.

Language Skills:

• •Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.
• •Additional languages preferred.
• •Strong written and verbal skills.

Skills:

• •Proficiency in office software, MS word, Excel, Outlook, and willingness to learn new systems.
• •Basic knowledge of rehabilitation services, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• •Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of it.
• •Basic knowledge of other rehabilitation disciplines.
• •Basic knowledge of insurance, billing, coding, and healthcare operations

Physical Demands:

• •For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see following description. Near visual & hearing acuity required to perform essential duties of position.
• •Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.

Lifting, Pushing, Pulling (Place an “X” in one column for each activity)

Activities level Occasional Frequent Constant Not at All Restricted activity

% of day 1-33 % 33 – 66 % 66 – 100 % 0 %

11 lbs. – 20 lb. X

21 lbs. – 50 lbs. X

51 lbs. – 75 lbs. X

76 lbs. – 100 lbs. X

100 lbs. + X

Other Physical Activities (Place an “X” in one column for each activity)

Activities level Occasional Frequent Constant Not at All

% of day 1-33 % 33 – 66 % 66 – 100 % 0 %

Bending X

Climbing X

Crawling X

Digging X

Driving car/truck X

Gripping/pinching

(forceful/repetitive) X

Kneeling X

Operating Heavy Equipment

(i.e. forklift) X

Reaching Forward X

Reaching Overhead X

Squatting X

Typing/Computer X

Using Heavy Tools (i.e.

welding) X

Working at heights X

Walking, Sitting, Standing (Please indicate percentage of shift.)

Activities % Per shift

Walking 40%

Sitting 20%

Standing 40%