Occupational Therapy Assistant

PACS

About The Position

The Occupational Therapy Assistant assists the Staff Occupational Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The role treats residents as directed by the Occupational Therapist and contributes to resident progress, goal setting, and discharge planning through routine communication with the supervising therapist and the interdisciplinary team. The assistant completes timely, accurate, and compliant documentation; maintains a safe treatment environment; supports staff training and rehabilitation program development; and educates residents, families, and caregivers. The position requires an accredited COTA program associate degree, state licensure in good standing, continuing education as required by state practice, and computer proficiency. CPR certification is required if required by licensure. The role involves frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting and other movements such as climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. It also requires reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and manipulating objects or equipment, including assisting and transporting residents using safe handling practices. The work environment typically has low to moderate noise.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited COTA program.
Proficient computer skills, including inputting data into Net Health and Point Click Care.
Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
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.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent standing and walking; occasional sitting and other movements; lifting and manipulating objects or equipment; and assisting and transporting residents safely.

Nice To Haves

Additional certification as appropriate per facility.

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 provide timely updates to physicians, nursing staff, the interdisciplinary team, residents, and families about 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 support residents’ 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.