Job Description

Occupational Therapy Assistant

To assist in providing quality patient care while maintaining positive levels of interaction with facilities and clients, under the direction of a licensed or registered Occupational Therapist. Adheres to applicable state regulation concerning occupational therapy.

Essential Functions:

• Under the direction of the licensed/certified occupational therapist, optimizes functional abilities and skills of patients in facilities by: assisting in screening and initial evaluation of all patients; implementing treatment for all assigned patients; delivering treatment according to the established treatment plan; accurately documenting progress toward objectives and communicating patient status and needs to the patient, the patient's family, the staff and other professionals.
• Provides direct supervision of Rehab Aide in skilled tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes appropriate utilization of resources and development of clinical skills in accordance with State Practice Acts and Lagniappe Rehabilitation policy.
• Builds a strong rehabilitation care practice within each facility by: establishing and maintaining courteous and helpful interaction patterns with staff, patients and families which reflects sensitivity to individual needs and a problem-solving approach; contributing to facility patient care, utilization review, administrative staff/department head, and family conference activities/communications as directed by the Occupational Therapist; establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other healthcare professionals and colleagues in the community; maintaining awareness of change in patient populations, patient conditions and programs and keeping the licensed or registered Occupational Therapist informed directly and in a timely manner, of patient progress and facility issues; adhering to the requirements of the patient's Bill of Rights; adhering to established facility policies and procedures related to environmental safety, orderliness, risk management, infection control and emergency situations.
• Enhancing clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities; maintaining valid state license (where appropriate); obtain membership and participate in professional organizations; maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of occupational therapy and the health care environment.
• Understand managed care/Prospective Payment System (PPS) billing and treatment guidelines. Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.
• Compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a facility.
• Maintain confidentiality of Lagniappe Rehabilitation, facility and patient information.

Required Credentials:

• Graduate of an ACOTE accredited school for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
• Valid National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Valid state license (where appropriate).
• Valid driver's license.

Abilities:

• Travel between facilities during scheduled hours.
• Work varying hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by Rehabilitation Director.
• Attendance at all Lagniappe Rehabilitation staff meetings is mandatory.
• Patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a work day/shift; must be capable of easily lifting (50) pounds of dead weight alone.
• To walk, bend, stand and reach constantly during a work day/shift.
• Visual, auditory and speaking skills sufficient to evaluate, diagnose, communicate and monitor patient needs, and to maintain accurate records, recognize people and provide and understand written, verbal and gestural communications.
• Fine motor skills for legible and accurate writing and key stroking for charting, scheduling, daily correspondence, and reports.
• Fine motor skills for handling of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
• Sustain activity for multiple consecutive hours in accordance with state labor laws.

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