Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Job Description/Summary
 
PRIMARY FUNCTION
 
The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (C.O.T.A./L.) job will be to assist the Registered Occupational Therapist (O.T.R.) in providing rehabilitation therapy to patients of all ages with temporary or chronic physical and psychosocial disability. This will be done through purposeful activity that will include activities of daily living, manual and creative skills, educational and recreational activities, facilitation techniques, developmental skills and various other techniques as applicable to the specific needs of the acutely and chronically ill. Treatment of patients will be to improve the patients physical function and promote mental adjustment.
 
PERFORMANCE REOUIREMENTS
 
1.       A portion of the patient treatments as delegated by the O.T.R.
2.       Safety of the patient while he/she is in the Occupational Therapy Department.
3.       Organization and proper order of the Occupational Therapy treatment area.
4.       Transportation of patients to and from the department as needed.
5.       Maintaining departmental and patient records as delegated and necessary.
6.       Monitoring the supplies used for physically disabled outpatients.
7.       Charting daily progress of patients.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/CONDITIONS
         
 Bending, stooping, lifting patients and equipment when necessary. Pushing patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers. Adjusting equipment to meet the specific needs of the patient treatment. Being alert and attentive to perceive reactions that patients may have to treatment. Ability to work under pressure and/or stress on occasion.
 
SPECIAL DEMANDS:
 
Desire to work with and for people with temporary and/or chronic mental, physical, or developmental disabilities. Knowledge of medical terminology is needed to understand patient evaluation and to chart patient progress satisfactorily. Knowledge of and experience in various arts and crafts that can be utilized by patients to build strength and promote function in upper and lower extremities as well as enhance one's self-esteem and independence. Good common sense and ability to reason are needed to organize activities and use available supplies to subordinate treatment programs. An attitude of firm kindness in dealing with patients is necessary. Must be able to hold in confidence all matters of a personal nature regarding the patient and/or his family coming to his or her knowledge and to disclose such information only when it is in the best interest of the patient. Ability to be versatile in dealing with a variety of patients and treatment programs.
 
 
 
QUALIFICATIONS
 
EDUCATION: The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant has satisfactorily completed an Occupational Therapy curriculum approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association, is certified and holds current certification with said professional organization.
 
EXPERIENCE: When educational requirements are met, no previous experience is necessary, but would be desirable.
 
WORK PERFORMED
 
Authority: Under the direction of the Registered Occupational Therapist, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant gives treatment only on written or verbal procedures as prescribed by a medical doctor or D.O.
 
PRIMARY DUTIES
 
1.       Assist in planning therapy programs for all patients:
2.       In collaboration with or under the supervision of the O.T.R., evaluate response, measure change and development, and record data as requested.
3.       Prepare and fit splints for functional and non-functional upper and lower extremities as ordered.
4.       Determines splinting and media supply needs and reports this to O.T.R.
5.       Assists in in-service education programs.
6.       Preparation of patient treatment area for therapy session.
 
GENERAL
 
SOURCE OF WORKERS:  From schools of Occupational Therapy and from classified ads in professional publications.
 
SUPERVISED BY:  Registered Occupational Therapist.
 
WORKERS SUPERVISED:  Occupational Therapy Rehab Aide, Volunteers, and Technicians.