Occupational Therapist Assistant

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Works under the management supervision of the Rehabilitation Services Supervisor and Practice Manager.
• Under the general supervision of a certified occupational therapist, administers assigned patient treatments, assists with treatment planning, prepares and transmits written and verbal communication of patient progress, supervises students and volunteers as assigned.
• Occupational Therapist Assistant shall be supervised by a certified occupational therapist per established departmental guidelines and regulatory standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides occupational therapy services under the supervision of an occupational therapist, in inpatient and outpatient settings during assigned shift during department operating hours, including assignment in rotation of weekend and holiday coverage.
• Under the supervision of an occupational therapist, administers modalities and procedures specific to the learning needs and age of the patient.
• Assists occupational therapist with plans for discharge.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and current patient records in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Provides patient, family/caregivers with age appropriate instruction regarding therapy procedures and home program, and provides additional instruction as indicated.
• Instructs the patient and family/caregiver in care and use of assistive and adaptive equipment.
• Communicates with rehabilitation team members, family, physicians and third party payers regarding patient progress and program changes as appropriate.
• Attends and/or participates inter/intradepartmental in-services and meetings as required and appropriate.
• Assists with orientation and supervision of other health care professionals as appropriate.
• Participates in student intern and/or volunteer program as appropriate.
• Maintains clean, safe and orderly treatment areas and equipment.
• Reports to supervisor any problems or suggestions regarding safety in the workplace.
• Assists in with ordering, cleaning and stocking equipment and supplies per departmental guidelines.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication with physicians, co-workers, patients and other hospital personnel
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, in-service meetings, and workshops within assigned specialty areas.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Minimum Associate of Science degree from an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant program.

Licensure/Certification:  

• Current California Occupational Therapy Assistant license is required.
• Occupational Therapy Assistant License Applicant may be considered.
• Current AHA or equivalent BLS certification and all other annual requirements of System and department. (TB, Safety, etc.)

Experience:

• One-year experience in acute hospital or outpatient clinic preferred, however, will consider new graduates.

Skills:  

• Good basic clinical skills in occupational therapy treatment for a wide range of physical disabilities.
• Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skill in providing appropriate care for patients in the following age groups: Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, and Geriatric.
• Knowledge of existing laws and regulations governing the practice of Occupational Therapy.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Demonstrates the Client Way.
• The Client Way is a set of value-based behaviors that are to be consistently demonstrated and role modeled by all employees that work at Client Healthcare.
• The Client Way principles consist of Caring, Communication, Collaboration, and Competence.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with patients, patient’s families/caregivers, physicians, and co-workers.
• Must be able to demonstrate excellent critical thinking skills and ability to work in a team setting.

Standards of Performance:

• Demonstrate performance by adhering to established policies and procedures and exhibiting the defined characteristics associated with attendance and punctuality.

Physical Effort:

• Attendance is an essential function of the job.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This may include moderate lifting/pushing/pulling of patients and equipment in the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Hours of Work:

• Assigned shift during department operating hours, including assignment in rotation of weekend and holiday coverage (required).