OT Assistant - PRN

Job Details: Job Location: DOGWOOD - Orange, VA, Salary Range: Undisclosed, POSITION OVERVIEW:  

Helps residents regain motor skills and improve their physical health to effectively perform daily activities through the use of various therapeutic exercises and activities only under the direction of the occupational therapist in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, standards, Virginia state occupational therapy practice act, and established facility policies and procedures to provide appropriate care and services to residents. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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. 
 

Delivers compassionate quality care and occupational therapy services across the spectrum as evidenced by professional competence, general cleanliness of therapy gyms/offices, and optimal resident functioning and satisfaction with occupational therapy services provided.  
  

Knows occupational therapy employees and employees of the interdisciplinary team in order to effectively communicate and provide optimal care for as well as any miscellaneous related needs. 
 

Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication.  Promotes positivity and active daily problem solving.   
 

Makes written and oral reports/recommendations to the occupational therapist concerning occupational therapy. 
 

Follows facility policy related to readiness for health inspection surveys, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) surveys, and any other regulatory entity or requirement.  

Reads and stays informed regarding regulatory, scope of work requirements as defined by the occupational therapy practice act, business practices and other changes influencing occupational therapy outcomes.  

Promotes safe work practices, safety rules, and accident prevention procedures to prevent resident/employee injury and illness. 

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS: 

Other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language. 
 

Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public. 
 

Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family and staff.  
 

Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace. 
 

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. 
 

Ability to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. 
 

Ability to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations. 
 

Contributes to and exemplifies teamwork. 
 

Makes independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. 
 

Possesses leadership, supervisory skills and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel. 
 

Successfully follows oral and written instructions. 
 

Successfully relays information concerning residents, employees or any given subject matter. 
 

Willing to move intermittently throughout the workday. 
 

Willing to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position. 
 

Communicates with medical, nursing staff, and all departments. 
 

Accepts call-backs during emergency conditions. 
 

Works in office and throughout the facility. 
 

Willing to work to task completion in spite of frequent interruptions. 

Qualifications: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program. A valid, unrestricted therapy license in Virginia. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend and reach for extended periods.  

Ability to life up to 35 pounds frequently (up to 66% of the time spent in performance of duties) and up to 50 pounds occasionally (up to 33% of the time spent in performing duties).  

Manual dexterity that allows grasping, carrying, and holding equipment and supplies as needed to perform tasks.  

Ability to see, hear, and verbally communicate with residents, visitors, and staff members during performance of duties. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Requires a satisfactory general background check, including state and local criminal history checks, as well as a satisfactory drug screening.  

DISCLAIMER: 

The above listing is a brief summary of the nature and scope of duties and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all tasks and responsibilities of the position described.  The Facility Administration reserves the right to add, change, delete, or otherwise modify this description, including Essential Functions, at its sole discretion without further permission or authority required. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Dogwood Village of Orange County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.