Occupational Therapy Assistant - #247951

Purpose:

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, state occupational therapy practice act, and established facility policies and procedures to provide appropriate care and services to residents.

Qualifications and Education:

• A valid, unrestricted license in his/her therapy discipline in the state.
• Meet educational requirements of his/her licensure requirements.
• Knowledgeable of skilled nursing home regulations, procedures, laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to long-term care.
  
  
  

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• 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 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, shoehorns, 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.
• 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 Florida 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.
• 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.
  
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Supplemental Insurance
• Legal Services, ID Fraud Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Auto Insurance
• Time Off Plan
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free CEU’s
• Great Team Environment
  
  
  

The company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances

DFWP/EOE/M/F