Job Description

MAIN FUNCTION:

The assistant is a skilled, technical worker who performs occupational therapy treatments under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist (Article 136 part 77, # 6738 of NYS PT and PTA laws). The assistant is under the supervision of the Clinical Coordinator of Rehab Services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

** 1. Demonstrates knowledge of age specific developmental factors specific to pediatric to geriatric residents (i.e. physical, cognitive, and socialization factors) in planning delivery of care.

** 2. Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to care for and treat patients with the following needs: orthopedics, neuro diseases and infectious diseases, if applicable.

** 3. Accepts responsibilities for the patient’s personal care and environment throughout treatment.

** 4. Observes and records patient’s condition and reaction.

** 5. Follows established procedures and observes safety precautions in the use of heat, cold, light, water, sound, electricity, and massage.

** 6. Carries out and transfers, positioning, range of motion, and trains patient in exercise, ambulation, and activities of daily living.

** 7. Carries out treatment, utilizing any OT equipment for which he/she received adequate instruction in its use and demonstrates understanding and competency.

** 8. Cares for braces, prostheses, bandages and other assistive devices.

** 9. Acts as an assistant to the occupational therapist when the therapist is performing tests, evaluations, and complex treatment procedures.

** 10. Participates as a member of the health care team.

** 11. Transports patients, records, equipment, and supplies as indicated.

Support Duties

** 1. Informs immediate supervisor and other appropriate personnel of pertinent information relative to the occupational therapy service.

• Participates in clerical and reception activities as assigned by the Occupational Therapist.

• Complies with procedures for maintenance of supplies and equipment and carries out duties necessary to comply with the related needs as delegated to him/her.

• Aids with maintaining environmental conditions with the physical therapy service in appropriate situations.

• Performs other special duties

• Participates in appropriate conference and in-service programs for purpose of continuing education.

• Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.

• Provides age appropriate care to neonate, infant, children, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

• Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer’s needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.

• It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.

  EDUCATION:

  Must be licensed, or eligible to obtain a license, to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in NYS at the time of hire.

  EXPERIENCE:

  Experience in a hospital setting preferred.

  CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

  Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date.

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  Appreciable physical effort or strain; occasionally repetitive efforts may involve lifting, pushing, pulling. Must be able to lift at least thirty (30) pounds independently and at least one hundred fifty (150) pounds with assistance of another person.

  EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

  Category II. Tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. But employment may require performing unplanned Category I tasks.

  INFECTION CONTROL:

  Performs all aspects of universal precautions when engaging in patient care.

  ** A.D.A Essential Functions

Requirements