Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Purpose of Your Job Position
The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant provides direct rehab care in occupation therapy
to patients upon physician referral and under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational
Therapist (OT) in accordance with all applicate 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
 Subject to hostile and emotionally upset patient, family members, etc.
 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

Specific Requirements
 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