Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational Therapist Assistant- PRN (As Needed)

 (Certified or Provisional)

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for helping patients improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. Patients may have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

• Working closely with occupational therapist to develop client centered treatment plans and goals. 
• Plans and conducts individual/group interventions collaboratively with the occupational therapist that improve the function and quality of life for individuals who are at risk or affected by mental illness.
• Assessing patients and developing treatment plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Assist patients to develop, recover, or maintain psychosocial functioning and integrate skills for life role satisfaction. Help individuals improve basic reasoning, sensory modulation, executive functioning skills, social participation, and leisure activities to promote development of healthy habits and routines.
• Contributes to assessment and evaluation process as required and directed by an occupational therapist.
• Advocates and promotes mental health and wellbeing of all stakeholders.
• Serves as educators and mentors to therapy students, peers, and other medical professionals.
• Follow medical practices policies related to compliance, safety, and infection control. Document patient treatment and outcomes in medical record in a timely manner.

Other Functions:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, standards, and applications in accordance with the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Knowledge of physical, biological, and behavioral sciences as well as application of occupational therapy equipment, devices, and patient-specific therapeutic devices. Understanding of how to modify equipment as needed.
• Knowledge of clinic policies and regulations related to infection control, safety, and quality improvement.

Abilities:

• Ability to collaborate with patients, families, and employers to modify workplace or home environment in line with patient’s condition, including identification of environmental factors and hazards.
• Ability to communicate with patients and families in caring and compassionate manner to encourage behavioral changes.
• Ability to analyze patient data and behavior and modify treatment plan as appropriate.

Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:  Must be 21 years of age and hold an Associate's degree in occupational therapy assisting from accredited school.  Two years of experience preferred, but not required. Current state occupational therapist assistant license (full or provisional), successful completion of national certification examination within 1 year of hire. Occupational Therapy students welcome to apply. 

Physical Requirements:  Extensive physical activities including standing, stooping, lifting, bending, and twisting. Must be able to transport/transfer patient safely. Occasional need to lift/carry and move equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Some stress related to dealing with concerns of patients and families. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Repetitive motion movements. Drug and alcohol free as evidenced by negative results of post-offer, pre-employment urine drug screen.)