Occupational Therapy Assistant

About the Role

The Occupational Therapy Assistant will help occupational therapists provide occupational therapy treatments and procedures. In accordance with state laws, the assistant may assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments.

Responsibilities

• Selects therapy activities to fit patients’ needs and capabilities.
• Observes and records patients’ progress, attitudes, and behavior, and maintains this information in client records.
• Communicates and collaborates with other health care professionals involved with the care of a patient.
• Instructs or assists in instructing patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, and the care and use of adaptive equipment.
• Implements or assists occupational therapists with implementing treatment plans to help clients function independently.
• Assesses daily living skills and capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.
• Aids patients in dressing and grooming.
• Assembles, cleans, and maintains equipment and materials for patient use.
• Demonstrates therapy techniques such as manual and creative arts or games.
• Teaches patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
• Attends care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy program.
• Current state licensure as Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Proficiency with all applicable state, federal, and professional standards.

Skills

• Knowledge and skills to care for patient needs of the SNF population.
• Problem-solving skills to successfully perform job duties.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with other employees, patients, and family members.
• Ability to travel as needed to perform job duties.
• Ability to use tools used to make adaptive equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Duties require extensive standing and walking.
• Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients.
• Duties require frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching.