OTA

Forrest General Hospital•Hattiesburg, MS

About The Position

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), under the direction of an Occupational Therapist, implements designated treatment plans, provides objective feedback on patient performance, and assists in developing and enhancing the therapeutic environment. The role requires providing care appropriate to the ages of patients served, applying knowledge of growth and development, and assessing and interpreting patient-status information to identify age-specific needs and provide appropriate care. The OTA works under occupational therapist supervision and collaborates with therapists, physicians, and other disciplines to manage patient care. The assistant supports patients and families as they enter the acute care therapy system and along the continuum of care, as appropriate. Other job duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Permanent or temporary Occupational Therapist Assistant license from the Mississippi State Board of Health, due upon hire.
Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of employment.
Complete two hours of stroke education annually.
Ability to tolerate physically demanding tasks, including moving equipment and patients, using safety measures for oneself and patients.
Ability to follow instructions from the Occupational Therapist and department leadership.
Ability to cooperate congenially with coworkers and patients.

Responsibilities

Implement designated occupational therapy treatment plans under the direction of an Occupational Therapist.
Provide objective feedback on patient performance.
Assist in developing and enhancing the therapeutic environment.
Assess and interpret patient-status information to identify age-specific care needs and provide appropriate care.
Use critical thinking in patient-care treatment planning while remaining consistent with the plan of care.
Adjust treatment approaches according to age-specific patient-care indicators.
Identify the learning needs of patients or family members.
Work as a team member to assist patients and families throughout entry into acute care therapy and along the continuum of care, as appropriate.
Collaborate with occupational therapists, other therapists, physicians, and other disciplines to manage patient care.
Document appropriately and securely in the Electronic Medical Record.
Perform other duties as assigned.