Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
The certified occupational therapy assistant provides occupational therapy services under the direction of the occupational therapist and according to the physician's plan of care.
Responsibilities
- Under the direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, assists in ongoing evaluation of the patient referred to occupational therapy by the physician. Reviews test information for patients in the following areas: specific muscle strength, joint range of motion, sensation, fine and gross motor coordination, gait deviations, activities of daily living, and equipment needs, etc.
- Implements rehabilitative treatment programs for patients according to the physician’s orders and the plan of treatment established by the occupational therapist, consults with the licensed occupational therapist and the physicians to provide feedback and report progress.
- Coordinates treatment plans with the supervising occupational therapist and other agency and contract facility team members including physician, physical therapist, speech therapist, nursing staff, and social worker. Participates in staff meetings and case reviews as necessary.
- In consultation with the licensed occupational therapist, re-evaluates the treatment program and as indicated by the individual’s progress and the physician’s orders, modifies and changes treatment in accordance with new information.
- Explains and instructs the family in the individual’s treatment goals and program to ensure carry-over in living arrangement and/or home setting; makes recommendations to the licensed occupational therapist regarding adaptive equipment.
- Maintains verbal and/or written communications among other personnel involved in the care of the patient; maintains clinical records on all patients referred to occupational therapy and in consultation with the licensed occupational therapist.
- Performs and submits required documentation of patient’s clinical notes, progress reports, summaries and case conferences along with changes in orders. All patient visit notes must be turned in the next scheduled workday, not to exceed forty-eight (48) hours.
- Advances professional growth; participates in training sessions at least 2 times annually; attends short courses, and studies professional journals and texts.
- Administers non-complex active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, traction, heat, light, cold, water and electrical modalities to patients with relatively stable conditions.
- Timely submission of documentation in accordance with company policy
- Complies with Homecare Agency Compliance Plan.
- Complies with Homecare Agency’s Infection Control Policies.
- Complies with Homecare Agency’s HIPAA Policies.
Skills
- Must be a graduate of a 2-year college-level program approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
- Minimum of one year of experience in the clinical practice of Occupational Therapy.
- An Occupational Therapist Assistant should meet the qualifications for a occupational therapy assistant under the Federal Conditions of Participation for Homecare Agency established by CMS.
- Must be licensed to practice occupational therapy by the state licensing board in the state of practice.
- Current CPR license.
