Occupational Therapy Assistant (PRN)

Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Occupational Therapy Assistant provides patient treatment under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. Documents patient treatment and progress toward goals in the patient electronic health record. Implements established treatment programs and provides patient and family education. This may involve outpatients, inpatients, pediatrics and off-site locations. Services the patients as a part of the entire continuum of professional care.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides age-appropriate therapeutic interventions as directed by the Occupational Therapist and monitors response to treatment.
• Maintains accurate and concise records on treatment provided and patient's progress.
• Observes and reports patients' responses to treatment and progress and reports orally and/or in writing to the Occupational Therapist.
• Collaborates with Occupational Therapist and other health team members to exchange and discuss patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs.
• Assists in assessment of client's daily living skills and capabilities to determine extent of abilities and limitations.
• Designs and adapts equipment in working / living environment.
• Precepts in the direction and evaluation of clinical experience / internships of students from participating colleges and universities.
• Provides formal orientation to new Occupational Therapy Assistants, aides and volunteers.
• Maintains safety of the work environment including equipment and notifies appropriate personnel if necessary.
• Maintains set level of productivity without jeopardizing quality.

Licensing/Certification:

Licensed as an Occupational Therapist Assistant in the state of Ohio (required)

BLS Basic Life Support (preferred upon hire, required within 30 days for BSMH) Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) (preferred)

Work Experience:

Preferred 1-2 years experience working in Acute Hospital setting

Training:

None

Language:

None

Patient Population:

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions:

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

Long-distance or air travel as needed- not to exceed 10% travel.

General office environment.

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.

May be required to use physical restraints.

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.

May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.

May have periods of constant interruptions.

Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

Prolonged periods of working alone.

Skills:

• Demonstrates appropriate application of age specific standards, policies and procedures and guidelines in caring for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients
• Demonstrates general computer skills including data entry, word processing, email, and records management.
• Analytical abilities to evaluate patient condition, capabilities and progress.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with co-workers, physicians, patients and families.
• Requires the ability to work well with all levels of patients, the public and other health care professionals.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and complete complex tasks.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection prevention standards.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain proper levels of confidentiality of all work related and sensitive information.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with people of various cultural and educational backgrounds

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.