Occupational Therapy Asst

PACS

About The Position

The Staff Occupational Therapy Assistant assists the Staff Occupational Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The role provides treatment as directed by the Occupational Therapist, maintains compliant documentation and a safe treatment environment, and communicates with the supervising therapist and care team about residents’ progress, goals, and discharge planning. The assistant also supports staff training, educates residents and caregivers, helps arrange durable medical equipment, and contributes to quality assurance and rehabilitation program development. The position requires an associate degree from an accredited COTA program, computer proficiency, and a current state license in good standing. Continuing education must be maintained according to state requirements. CPR certification is required if required by licensure. The role involves frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting and other physical movements, and lifting or moving residents and equipment. The work environment is usually low to moderate in noise level.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited COTA program.
Proficiency with computer skills, including entering data into programs such as Net Health and Point Click Care.
Licensed as an Occupational Therapist Assistant in the state.
Meet continuing education requirements under state practice rules and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-based instructions.
Ability to stand and walk frequently and sit occasionally; occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed.
Ability to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate objects and equipment, including exertion that may occasionally exceed 100 pounds, frequently exceed 50 pounds, or constantly exceed 20 pounds.
Ability to communicate effectively through talking and hearing, and to perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual environmental information.

Nice To Haves

Additional certification as appropriate for the facility.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.

Responsibilities

Treat residents as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
Participate in Resident Care conferences and/or Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
Communicate routinely with the supervising occupational therapist to support timely updates to physicians, nursing staff, the interdisciplinary team, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
Provide in-services on training programs for other facility staff as needed.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate ordering necessary durable medical equipment to help residents maintain independence in activities of daily living.
Maintain confidentiality of residents’ and company information.
Report problems with department equipment so it can be maintained in good working order.
Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.
Assist, support, and transport residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.