Occupational Therapist/COTA

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST or Occupational Therapist Assistant

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is a professional position involving responsibility for evaluating, planning and providing occupational therapy treatment on an

inpatient or outpatient basis.  Inpatient therapy services are provided in accordance with a written prescription or referral from a physician.  Clinic services performed on an outpatient basis are provided in accordance with an established interdisciplinary treatment plan.  Work is performed under general direction with wide leeway for independently performing most job duties. Supervision may be exercised over the work of other staff performing Occupational Therapy Services.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  The typical work activities listed below, while providing representative examples of the variety of work assignments in the title, do not describe any individual position.  Incumbents in this title may perform some or all of the following, as well as other related activities not described.

Performs occupational therapy procedures in accordance with established treatment plan utilizing a creative activity which may be manual, industrial, recreational, or educational designed    and/or adapted to correct or remedy a disability;

Evaluates the degree of function and disability of patients unless contra-indicated by professional judgment or a physician's admission notes;

Develops a treatment plan, short and long term rehabilitation goals and in accordance with the physician's diagnosis, prescription or referral;

Records evaluations, reevaluations, progress notes, consultations and discharge summaries;

May participate in the selection of personnel in the occupational therapy service, assigns their duties and provides supervision;

May fabricate and apply hand splints, train patients/clients in the use of adaptive devices and/or self-help techniques to achieve maximum independence;

Participates with other facility personnel in the formulation of patient's/clients total care plans;

Confers with others regarding all facets of patient/client care and related activities;

Develops or assists in the development of occupational therapy policies and procedures;

Assists in the development of, and instructs in the facility's in-service education program;

Maintains program records including but not limited to the service budget, statistical reports of the frequency and types of treatment and number of patients treated.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL

CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of occupational therapy; good knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in occupational therapy; working knowledge of community resources available to support or supplement the occupational therapy program; ability to evaluate, plan and execute treatments for patients; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to get along well with others; good physical condition.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Licensed and currently registered by the New York State Education Department as an Occupational Therapist or COTA.