Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Required Qualifications The Occupational Therapy Assistant must possess :

A valid, unrestricted license in his / her therapy discipline in the state.

Meet educational requirements of his / her licensure requirements.

Valid driver’s license in the state of employment.

Knowledgeable of skilled nursing home regulations, procedures, laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to long-term care. Major Duties and Responsibilities Assists in the practice of occupational therapy and activities requiring an understanding of occupational therapy but not requiring professional or advanced training in the anatomical, biological, and physical sciences involved in the practice of occupational therapy. Practices only under the direction of a registered occupational therapist. Implements the occupational therapy treatment plan as established by the occupational therapist in accordance with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in accordance with guidelines issued by the governing body and its respective affiliate state chapter, current state and federal laws and regulations; and respective practice act(s) in the state. Records the resident's progress and can request a reexamination if / when needed. Offers suggestions, provides feedback, carries-out agreed upon activities, and voices constructive concerns in a collaborative manner with the occupational therapist.

Interviews new and returning residents to assist the occupational therapist in determining their health and rate of recovery. Documents occupational therapy services by charting in the resident medical record.

Complies with facility policies and procedures for appropriately documenting for residents receiving occupational therapy.

Schedules and coordinates with facility nursing staff therapy sessions for residents as instructed by the occupational therapist or rehabilitation director.

Prepares required documentation according to facility policy for billing purposes, discharge planning, etc. and as instructed by the occupational therapist or rehabilitation director.

Helps residents perform their planned therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises such as simply instructing and encouraging a resident through his / her exercises to physically helping him / her complete a difficult routine.

Treats residents who demonstrate disorders of musculoskeletal deficiencies, neurological conditions, etc. Treatment will only be conducted after a written order is received from the physician.

Is familiar with assistive devices that might be used during treatment, like adaptive utensils, adaptive plates and silverware, nosey cups, reachers and grabbers, grab bars, sock pullers, shoe horns, dressing sticks, trays, wheelchair accessories, etc. that some residents may require.

Monitors the resident’s environment in order to identify any needs or barriers that might negatively impact the resident’s therapy and recovery. Observes and makes recommendations for the necessary accommodations to the occupational therapist and enacts those recommendations.

Provides resident information needed for the resident assessment instrument according to facility policy such as functional abilities, functional status, range of motion, self-care activities, occupational therapy minutes and distinct calendar days, etc. during the defined observation period(s) as assigned by the occupational therapist or rehabilitation director.

Ensures occupational therapy equipment is stored, used and sanitized, disinfected and / or cleaned properly and safely in the facility.

Participates in daily, weekly, and / or monthly rehabilitative and interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss residents’ therapy progression in relation to discharge planning for residents receiving occupational therapy services as designated by the occupational therapist or rehabilitation director.

Adheres to the state practice guidelines in his / her discipline as defined by the State of Florida Occupational Therapy Practice Act. Maintains appropriate conduct and follows practice guidelines as defined by the professional association.

Knows how to access the occupational therapy state practice act and professional association standards. Develops and maintains positive relationships with residents, employees, and family members through scheduled, deliberate positive interactions with them using face to face, phone, or other means of communication. Facilitates, serves, attends or participates in various committees of the facility as necessary. Knows and understands the purpose and requirements for the scope of work requirements as defined by the occupational therapy practice act in each state