Occupational Therapist Assistant

JOB SUMMARY 

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant employed or contracted through the Organization is responsible to the registered Occupational Therapist that is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for occupational therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Service Agreement.  The certified occupational therapy assistant performs only those services planned, delegated, and supervised by the registered Occupational Therapist. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Participates in the ongoing evaluation of patient’s functional status (muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, work capacity, etc.) as delegated by the registered occupational therapist.  Participates in the ongoing evaluation of the home environment for hazards or barriers to more independent living as delegated by the registered occupational therapist. 

Participates in teaching new skills or retraining patients in once familiar daily activities that have been lost due to illness or injury, in accordance with organization policy. 

Maintains appropriate clinical records, clinical notes, and reports to the registered occupational therapist any changes in the patient’s condition. 

Submits clinical documentation in accordance with Organization policy. 

Follows treatment program and goals for improved patient function as established by the registered occupational therapist.  Documents patient’s response to treatment plan and progress toward established goals. 

Maintains contact/communication with other personnel involved in the patient’s care to promote coordinated, efficient care.  Documents such communication in accordance with Organization policy. 

Attends and contributes to in services, case conferences, and other meetings as required by Organization policy to ensure coordinated and comprehensive plans of care for the patients of the Organization. 

Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home care services.  Consults with the supervising registered occupational therapist and assists with necessary referrals, as appropriate. 

Participates in instructing patient’s family/caregiver and other Organization health care personnel in patient’s treatment regime as delegated by the registered occupational therapist. 

Is supervised by the registered occupational therapist no less than every thirty days.  Documentation in the clinical record will reflect ongoing communication between the registered occupational therapist and certified occupational therapy assistant, the patient’s condition, the patient’s response to services provided by the assistant, any need to change the plan of care, and patient outcomes. 

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the employee of this job.  The employee may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities) 

Must be licensed where the HHA is located if licensure is required.  

Must have graduated from an OT assistant program accredited by the ACOTE of the AOTA or any successor organization of the ACOTE. 

Must be eligible for or have taken the OT assistant certification examination administered by the NBCOT.  

A minimum of one year of clinical experience as a certified occupational therapy assistant. 

Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills. 

Possesses and maintains current CPR certification. 

The ability to drive and/or have access to transportation for agency related travel (e.g. community partners, patients, etc.) is an essential function of the job.  Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, maintain automobile insurance coverage and have access to an automobile. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  

I have read this job description and fully understand the requirements and notices set forth therein.  I hereby accept the position and agree to perform the identified essential functions in a safe manner and in accordance with the Company’s established policies and procedures.  I agree to request guidance from my Supervisor in the event that I am unsure of how to interpret any policy. 

I further understand that my employment is at-will and thereby understand that my employment may be terminated at-will either by the Company or myself, and that such termination can be made with or without notice. 

This position consistently supports and promotes compliance with the Code of Conduct by maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of information, protecting the assets of the agency, acting with ethics and integrity, reporting non-compliance, and adhering to applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements (if applicable), and all policies and procedures. 

The employer for this position is stated in the job posting.  The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US.  Each of these businesses is operated by a separate, independent operating subsidiary that has its own management, employees and assets.  More information about The Pennant Group, Inc. is available at http://www.pennantgroup.com.