Occupational Therapy AssistantJOB CODE:30410FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Summary:
(Basic Purpose Of The Job) Provides occupational therapy treatment under the supervision of the occupational therapist. Documents all aspects of occupational therapy services in a timely and effective manner. Engages in professional development. Carries out projects and assigned ongoing department functions effectively. Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Education:
Graduation from accredited occupational therapy educational program approved by NJ Occupational Therapy Advisory Council. Licensed as occupational therapy assistant in NJ.
Experience:
One year experience preferred with patient populations specific to the position including acute adult inpatient, adult outpatient, and pediatric care. Other Credentials: AHA BLS - Healthcare Provider, Occup Therapy Asst2 hours of Stroke related Continuing Education contact hours annually if working in acute care setting. Stroke education is only applicable to those working with patients in the stroke program.
Knowledge and Skills:
Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competence.
Special Training: Ongoing continuing education courses.
Mental, Behavioral and Emotional Abilities:
- Usual Work Day: 8 Hours
- Reporting Relationships
- Does this position formally supervise employees? NoIf set to YES, then this position has the authority (delegated) to hire, terminate, discipline, promote or effectively recommend such to manager.
Essential Functions:
Evaluate and treat patients in the hospital, outpatient clinic and in the home under the hospital at home program. Implements therapist's treatment plan utilizing appropriate treatment procedures, modalities, exercise programs, and manual techniques. Supports therapists in maintaining coordination of care with physicians, nurses and other providers and team members. Recognizes and responds to changes in the patient's condition. Pursues clear direction from therapist immediately for urgent issues. Pursues appropriate times for discussion of patient issues not in need of urgent attention. Instructs patients, families, and other caregivers to perform therapeutic activities safely and effectively to improve the patient's level of function, achieve treatment goals, and maximize carryover of home instructions. Ensures documentation is timely including submission of attendance/charging records or "billing sheets". Ensures documentation is complete and effective in communicating essential aspects of care, including treatment program, skilled services provided, patient attendance record, and communication with supervising therapist. Ensures documentation of time spent with patient is accurate and clear, and statistical data such as charging, is accurate and documentation of a patient encounter includes date and time. Ensures documentation of data, questionnaires, and surveys measuring patient outcomes is complete as required. Participates in educational opportunities and self-directed learning. Participates in clinical education program for OTA students when feasible. Participates in committees, special projects, performance improvement (PI) activities, and assists therapists with presentations to community, including occasional participation in events outside of work hours as needed. Takes responsibility for problems or issues related to patient care or department operations. Attempts to understand various points of view, employs positive problem solving techniques and works toward full resolution. Takes accountability for progress and problem-solving of at least one assigned project or ongoing department function. Maintains clear records associated with the projects such as data collection tools, dates, and times of actions taken as appropriate. Maintains proactive timeliness of project activities. Demonstrates willingness to adapt to changing departmental demands. Shifts among campuses to fulfill patient needs as required.
Physical Demands And Work Environment:- Frequent physical demands include: Standing, Walking, Reaching forward, Pinching/fine motor activities
- Occasional physical demands include: Sitting, Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders), Carry objects, Push/Pull, Twisting, Bending, Reaching overhead, Squat/kneel/crawl, Wrist position deviation, Keyboard use/repetitive motion
- Continuous physical demands include: Talk or Hear
- Lifting Floor to Waist 20 lbs. Lifting Waist Level and Above 35 lbs.
Sensory Requirements include:
Accurate Near Vision, Accurate Far Vision, Color Discrimination, Minimal Depth Perception, Accurate Hearing
Anticipated Occupational Exposure Risks Include the following: Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical, Airborne Communicable Disease, Uneven Surfaces or Elevations, Dust/Particulate Matter.
This position is eligible for the following benefits:
- Retirement Savings and Investment Plan
- Disability Benefits – Short Term Disability (STD)
- Sick Time OffEmployee Assistance Program