OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT, CER

About the role

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant provides treatment under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, adhering to the standards of the American Occupational Therapy Association, to individuals needing occupational therapy services.

Responsibilities

• Reviews relevant background information pertaining to patients’ problems and functioning.
• Prioritizes and completes portions of clinical assessments of patients as assigned by the OTR.
• Develops proposals for documentation forms in accordance with changes in policy and procedure.
• Contributes to the screening, evaluation, and reevaluation process by administering assessments of occupational performance under the supervision of the OTR and after demonstrating competence.
• Presents results to patients, families, caregivers, treatment teams, and/or other individuals involved in the patients’ care.
• Provides individualized, evidenced-based treatment consistent with evaluation results and physician prescriptions to assist patients in reaching functional goals.
• Adapts treatment approaches sensitively and effectively based on patients’ individual needs and background.
• Meets service area productivity standards.
• Selects and utilizes safe and effective treatment procedures and techniques to help patients achieve identified goals.
• Observes patients’ responses to treatment and modifies methods, techniques, or goals as needed under OTR supervision and after demonstrating competence.
• Provides patients with individualized home treatment activities and instructions.
• Coordinates services with other healthcare providers.
• Identifies discharge criteria, methods for achieving them, and possible obstacles in collaboration with the OTR.
• Modifies discharge criteria as patients progress under direct OTR supervision.
• Discharges patients with appropriate referrals and recommendations when criteria are met or deemed unrealistic.
• Communicates with patients, families, and caregivers to facilitate understanding of treatment and positive outcomes.
• Explains the role of therapy and educates patients, families, and caregivers about identified problems and planned interventions.
• Conducts research on individual patient diagnoses and treatments, presenting new information as needed.
• Explains treatment methods and goals clearly.
• Provides detailed instructions for home treatment programs, including activities, duration, and frequency.
• Discusses discharge criteria and plans throughout treatment and helps patients establish realistic expectations.
• Integrates verbal presentations with printed materials, handouts, or models.
• Provides opportunities for questions and ensures patient understanding of clinical information.
• Meets all documentation requirements, completing clinical and non-clinical documentation accurately and timely.
• Uses professional and technically correct terminology, avoiding unapproved abbreviations.
• Contributes to the professional life of the department by attending and participating in meetings, training, and other activities.
• Promotes and advocates for the profession.
• Identifies and addresses professional education needs to provide safe and effective services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Completion of clinical affiliations as outlined by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• New York State Licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant or limited permit.
• Ability to form effective working relationships with hospital personnel, multidisciplinary teams, patients, and families.

Other

If applicable, the individual may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Universal precautions, personal protective equipment, and infection control policies must be followed.