What are the responsibilities and job description for the Occupational Therapy Assistant, Acute Care, High Point position at Wake Forest?
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for providing direct, age appropriate care for the occupational therapy patient. Carries out treatment plans for a variety of patient diagnoses as per the Occupational Therapists, making recommendations or changes when appropriate. Responsible for teaching occupational therapy procedures to patients, family and other health care personnel.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Graduate of an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: Current license to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant in the State of North Carolina. CPR certification every two years. Membership in AOTA is encouraged but not required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Educates patient and family about condition (if applicable). Answers questions regarding treatment plan. Explains procedures, education and plan of care to parents/responsible party of infants, children, adolescents as well as family members or responsible party of forgetful adults. Verifies understanding of information conveyed by health care team. Provides emotional support as needed in a respectful manner. Involves the patient, parent/responsible party in decision-making and control of plan of care when able. 2. Performs patient care by carrying out patient treatment plans as outlined by OTR. Prepares parent/responsible party of infants, children and mentally challenged for therapeutic procedures. Follows procedures per Rehab policy with knowledge and compliance with all age specific limitations as outlined. Explains procedure and works at a pace patient can tolerate mentally and physically. Uses equipment specific to size and age of infants, children, adolescents and adults. Completes treatments in a logical sequence and in a timely manner. 3. Communicates and interacts effectively with physicians and their staff. Relays pertinent information to physicians on their patient's condition. Processes physician's orders and instructions for patient care. Clarifies and confirms orders according to established protocols. Relays information to and from physician for patient. 4. Maintains medical records. Documents daily progress, change in treatment, and patient status appropriately, timely, and objectively in patient chart. Knowledgeable of SOAP format. Helps keep referrals, Medicare forms, and insurance information updated to assist with reimbursement issues. 5. Performs the duties of a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. Makes suggestions for changes in treatments when indicated. Monitors progress toward goals through proper use of goniometry, MMT, ADL independence, balance progress and sensation, perceptual, cognitive changes and other standardized testing.
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent interpersonal skills Solid oral and written communication skills Ability to work with infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and older adult patients
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Subject to many interruptions Contact with patients, family members, visitors, coworkers and medical staff under a wide variety of circumstances Exposure to hazardous substances; patient care environment, infectious diseases, body fluids
