Cert. Occ. Therapist Asst

JOB OBJECTIVE: Supports the Occupational Therapist and physician in conducting therapy treatments to improve resident mobility and physical health.  Core duties include providing treatments according to the American Occupational Therapy Association and facility standards/procedures. Supports the Occupational Therapist in the treatment of residents to improve quality of life via assisting in the improvement of and/or the prevention of decline in functional ADL, motor ability, and cognitive skills. These skills may be impaired by disease, developmental delay, aging process, or trauma. Works together with all members of the community to uphold and further the mission, vision, principles, and values of Saint John's.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant Program and Certification.
2. Must have effective verbal and written communications skills.
3. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs including at minimum Word, Excel, and Outlook. Working knowledge of EHR systems is preferred.
4. Must have the ability to adapt to changing organization needs and work flexible client/resident scheduling capability to meet needs. Takes appropriate risks (actions) in responding to “customer’s needs”. Responds to changing needs without excessive need for set rules or procedures.
5. Must have excellent organization and verbal and written communication skills, be dependable, patient, and flexible. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity.

6.     Must be professional in actions, neat attire appropriate to the position, excellent customer service skills, and desire to work with and serve older adults.

ESSENTIONAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES and ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1.     Provides services under the direction of licensed occupational therapist.

2.     Follows treatment plan developed in collaboration with occupational therapist by teaching techniques, such as, the proper method of moving from a bed into a wheelchair, and the best way to stretch and limber muscles.

3.     Assists in the selection of activities and the development of treatment plans to help patients to function independently.

4.     Observes, monitors, and records resident’s progress, attitudes, and behavior, providing feedback to Occupational Therapist, and recommending changes to their treatment plans.

5.     Instructs residents and their families on in-home programs, basic living skills, and the care and use of adaptive equipment.

6.     Performs routine tasks, such as helping residents perform stretches and teaching residents to use specific equipment.

7.     Uses a variety of tools and equipment, such as special lifts or pulleys to move residents.

8.     Documents resident care services according to approved medical documentation and facility documentation procedures. 

Personal/Professional Integrity and Responsibility

1. Employees act with honesty and openness in all their dealings as representatives of the organization and are expected to support a working environment that values respect, fairness, inclusiveness, and integrity.  Our employees promote responsibility in the workplace by recognizing and respecting the boundaries of people with whom we work and serve.

2. Employees support practices and principles of the person-first philosophy that gives residents the power of choice.  Employees are considered part of the community and are expected to perform duties within the principles and practices that guide care and services through knowing and honoring the person before the task.  i.e. fostering relationships between residents, family, and staff. Each person is to be known as an individual who can and does make a difference. We nurture the spirit as well as the mind and body. We promote growth and development for all, and we create an environment that meets the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and occupational needs of individuals and the community.