Occupational Therapy Assistant

Methodist Hospital Sacramento•Sacramento, CA

About The Position

The Occupational Therapy Assistant provides subacute occupational therapy services at Bruceville Terrace, helping residents rebuild independence in essential daily tasks and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) over an extended period. The role supports adaptation and participation in preparation for transition to a lower level of care. The assistant carries out individual treatment programs developed by the supervising therapist and helps patients work toward their highest level of independence and functional recovery. The role includes implementing and monitoring treatment interventions, providing patient and caregiver education, documenting care and departmental activity, communicating patient status and treatment plans with the care team and physicians, and collaborating with the primary occupational therapist. The assistant may also supervise and provide clinical feedback to students under the general direction of an occupational therapist.

Requirements

Graduation from an approved Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Eligibility for certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
California license, or eligibility, to practice Occupational Therapy.
Basic Life Support - CPR through the American Heart Association.

Nice To Haves

Experience as an occupational therapy assistant.

Responsibilities

Implement individual patient treatment programs developed by the therapist, using appropriate interventions and specialized techniques for multiple diagnoses and levels of care.
Monitor treatment effectiveness, modify goals and treatment as appropriate, address patient safety, and recommend or obtain equipment when appropriate.
Provide timely, comprehensive education to patients and families using teaching methods appropriate to their level of understanding; document education and patient or family performance.
Complete treatment documentation, timecards, productivity logs, billing, and other departmental records accurately and on time according to department policy.
Communicate treatment plans and patient status with the care team and physicians, participate in team conferences, and contact physicians promptly about patient concerns or changes in status.
Verify payor guidelines and authorization when needed before scheduling or treating patients or obtaining equipment.
Collaborate with the primary occupational therapist regarding patient progress and recommend goal updates or discharge when appropriate.
Solicit and use feedback from physicians and coworkers to improve teamwork and collaboration.
Supervise students toward desired outcomes and, when qualified and requested, precept one internship student per year; provide clinical feedback in collaboration with and under the general direction of an occupational therapist.
Manage time and schedules to meet department productivity standards and initiate and complete projects within established time frames.