General Summary

• Works under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist in the hospital
• assists in providing treatment to patients through a program of specified activities in the therapy plan of treatment.
• Positions supervised may include staff COTAs, Therapy Aides, students and volunteers.
• The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age, culture, ethnicity, and specific individual diagnostic needs of the patients served in his/her department.
• He/she must be able to assess and interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s specific needs and provide the care needed by the patient group (pediatric, adolescents and/or geriatric patient group, culture and diagnostic specific).
• Consistently expresses and demonstrates compassion and courtesy for patients. Extend s courtesy and support to patient's families/visitors.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Electronic/Paper documentation- Accurately and concisely records patient care along the continuum from admission to discharge: Attends required training on electronic documentation.
• Electronic/Paper documentation- Accurately and concisely records patient care along the continuum from admission to discharge: Demonstrates ability to document correctly in the medical record verified by chart review.
• UE Splinting- Splint is constructed to ensure smooth edges, appropriate strapping and proper mechanical advantage.
• UE Splinting- Splint is constructed sturdy enough to hold the extremity securely.
• UE Splinting- Splint conforms to the contours of the extremity and is free of potential pressure areas.
• UE Splinting- Splint achieves the intended purpose.
• UE Splinting- The patient and/or caregiver are educated on purpose, wear schedule, and precautions.
• Restraint- Describes patient/resident’s rights, dignity, safety, and age related issues related to the use of restraints.
• Restraint-Can relate the negative impact that restraint use has on a patient/client's physical and emotional well-being physical and emotional well-being.
• Restraint-Relates the hospital philosophy regarding restraint reduction and use.
•  Restraint-Can list several alternatives to restraint use.
• Restraint-Demonstrates proper procedure for safe application of less restrictive devices and restraints: follows manufacturer’s instructions; secures devices to frame of bed, not siderails; secures devices out of reach of patient; demonstrates quick release knot for securing all devices.
• Restraint-Provides appropriate care for the patient in safety devices and restraints: provides privacy and clean environment; provides patient with a way to summon help; facilitates and encourages participation in care.
• Restraint-Completes required documentation for restraint use that is required by role.
• Restraint-Can identify how own behaviors can effect the behaviors and outcomes of the patient/resident.
• Restraint- Demonstrates de-escalation, mediation, and self-protection techniques to interact with the patient/resident to avoid the use of restraints.

Respect for individuals, Customer Service, Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Identifies and addresses potential breeches in patient information management and confidentiality issues (HIPPA).
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact in a manner that is appropriate to the age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs of the persons served, visitors and colleagues.
• Performs daily responsibilities with a customer service focus, exhibited by actively seeking opportunities to exceed customer expectations and prevent potential customer complaints. Initiates and participates in service recovery processes and completes.
• Is recognized by colleagues, patients, and visitors as responsive, courteous, respectful, cooperative and works collaboratively with others to achieve goals. Voices differences in opinion professionally through appropriate channels.
• Provides performance feedback as requested within the peer review system.
• Participate in hand-off communication to convey appropriate patient/clinical information.

Leadership, Clinical and/or Technical Skills:

• In accordance with Maryland Board of OT Practice and hospital policy and procedures: Participates appropriately in the data collection for completion of the initial evaluation and re-assessment.
• In accordance with Maryland Board of OT Practice and hospital policy and procedures: Collaborates with the OTR in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans, including one-to-one and group treatments.
•  Effectively communicates and collaborates with other medical personnel and makes referrals to other professionals as appropriate.
• Participates in family education programs and provides family training, education, and guidance as needed.
• Demonstrates effective documentation including required components of assessment/reassesment, care-planning, treatment, and patient progress according to hospital and professional practice standards.
• Assists the senior therapist in the development and/or revision of new services/programs, policies, procedures and protocols.
• Actively participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, departmental projects and staff meetings.
• Participates effectively in supervisory relationships with the Director, PTM, senior therapist, OTR, therapy aides, volunteers, students and others as indicated.
• Participates in scheduling responsibilities ensuring balanced assignments based on skill mix and changing patient care requirements.
• Serve as a professional representative of UMROI at job fairs, community fairs, educational offerings, and family tours as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Quality and Patient Safety:

• Ensures the safety of the clinical environment for patients, visitors, and other staff members. Detects, reports, and takes action to avoid or correct safety risks, and reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate individual.
• Demonstrates knowledge, practice, and accountability for compliance with the TJC National Patient Safety Goals.
•  Incorporates safe lifting techniques and body mechanics in daily practice.
• Participates in identified hospital, program and/or discipline specific quality initiatives.

Cost Effectiveness:

• Effectively demonstrates time management skills when delivering patient care, or performing other tasks.
• Employs practices that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize charge capture.
• Assure proper cost controls that ensure quality of care while minimizing costs in supply management.

Education and Research:

• Assumes responsibility for maintaining competency and clinical knowledge base related to role.
• Actively participates in the orientation/mentorship of new colleagues.
•  Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, in-service meetings, workshops, independent learning experiences and other forums.
• Supports and/or participates in approved research initiatives.

We’re making Maryland stronger!
With roots that go as far back as 1895, the UM Rehab & Ortho Institute continues to be a pioneer in orthopedics and neurological disorders. From bones to brains, our cutting-edge hospital heals even the most serious of injuries, specializing in everything from total joint replacement to spinal cord injuries and neurological condition. In total, our 141-bed facility welcomes over 3,000 patients every year. As the state’s largest provider of inpatient rehabilitation services, we offer some of the most advanced therapies for stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic and sports injury, among many others.

• Current licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with the State of Maryland.
• Current certification as an Occupational Therapist by the NBCOT.
• Current CPR card.
• An associate degree from an accredited college or university in occupational therapy is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient knowledge of occupational therapy theory and practice techniques. General knowledge of orthopedics, plastics, pediatrics, neurology, psychology, psychiatry, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, general medicine and the occupational therapy treatment implications of each.
• Ability to oversee and direct the work of occupational therapy and support staff.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are required in order to work with patients, therapists, medical and nursing staff successfully and to document patient progress, quality assurance activities.
• Highly effective verbal communication skills including courtesy, resourcefulness and efficiency in answering questions, giving directions, locating staff and explaining hospital/departmental policies and procedures are necessary.
• Verbal communication skills may include communicating with an interdisciplinary team, patients, and families.
• Effective writing skills are also required in order to take messages and maintain miscellaneous records, receipts, reports and logs.

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