Occupational Therapy Assistant

posted 2024—

JOB SUMMARY:

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) administers occupational therapy to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Occupational Therapist and Director/Nursing Supervisor.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

 1.     A person who meets the requirements for certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

•       Is licensed or otherwise regulated, if applicable, as an OTA by the State in which practicing, unless licensure does apply.

•       Graduated after successful completion of an OTA education program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA) or its successor organization.

•       Is eligible to take or successfully completed the entry-level certification examination for OTA developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).

On or before December 31, 2009:

•       Is licensed or otherwise regulated as an OTA, if applicable, by the State in which practicing; or any qualifications defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

After January 1, 2010, meets the requirements in this section. After December 31, 1977 and on or before December 31, 2007:

•       Completed the requirements to practice as an OTA established by a credentialing organization approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association; or

•       Completed the requirements to practice as an OTA applicable in the State in which practicing.

On or before December 31, 1977:

•       Had 2 years of appropriate experience as an OTA; and

•       Had achieved a satisfactory grade on an OTA proficiency examination conducted, approved or sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service.

If educated outside the U.S., on or after January 1, 2008:

•       Graduated after successful completion of an OTA education program that is accredited as substantially equivalent to OTA entry level education in the U.S. by:

•       The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

•       Its successor organizations.

•       The World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

•       By a credentialing body approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association; and

•       A credentialing body approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

•       Successfully complete the entry level certification examination for OTA developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).

2.     Two (2) years experience, preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1.     Understands and adheres to established Hospice policies and procedures.

2.     Minimizes residual physical disabilities of the patient.

3.     Periodically participates with IDG and all other health care personnel in patient IDG care planning.

4.     Performs all procedures as ordered by physician and IDG according to the therapy plan of care established by the OT.

5.     Consults with OT regarding change in treatment.

6.     Instructs patients and family members in home programs and fine motor movement exercises.

7.     Participates in in-service education and presents inservice programs as assigned.

8.     Participates in QAPI activities as assigned.

9.     Attends all patient care conferences as scheduled.

10.  Prepares medical records and updates care plans for each patient visit in a timely manner as per Hospice policy.

11.  Performs services planned, delegated and supervised by the OT.

12.  Assists in preparing clinical and progress notes.

13.  Participates in educating the patient and family.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: 

Works indoors in Hospice office and patient homes and travels to/from patient homes.

JOB RELATIONSHIP: 

1.         Supervised by:        OT/Manager of Patient Services/Director

RISK EXPOSURE: 

High risk