Job Description

Position General Summary:

Under the direction and supervision of the occupational therapist, the OTA may contribute to the evaluation process, implements appropriate patient interventions, and obtains accurate and relevant data related to the interventions provided. The OTA provides treatment interventions to patients that are safe, timely, effective, efficient, patient-centered, and equitable, in compliance with organizational policies and procedures. This position is an

Essential position at the facility to ensure efficient operations and patient care. Employees hired into an

Essential position are expected to report to work for their scheduled shifts regardless of the environmental weather and road conditions that may exist.



Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Responsibilities:

Provides effective therapeutic interventions that are patient centered. Administers tests and measures accurately, following standardized criteria when applicable. In accordance with patient needs, selects treatment with consideration of resource utilization, including space, time, people and equipment. Identifies and provides appropriate strategies to educate patients so that environmental constraints, learning barriers, and cultural factors are addressed effectively. Demonstrates effective visual, tactile, and auditory skills to aid with patient assessment/reassessment and intervention. Identifies and utilizes communication that is appropriate and effective for the patient situation. Facilitates patient responsibility for self-management. Interventions take into account physical, behavioral, cognitive, and perceptual dysfunction Identifies and initiates appropriate referrals to medical specialists, ancillary providers, etc as needed. Appropriately collaborates with supervising occupational therapist regarding patient progression or change in patient status Demonstrates competency with professional practice standards in treatment skills Completes institutional and program-specific annual requirements.


2. Clinical Decision Making: Uses knowledge and principles of patient progression/response to identify when to progress or modify the treatment plan in collaboration with the supervising occupational therapist.

Progresses treatment interventions effectively to meet patient goals. Modifies selected tests, measures, or interventions either to progress the patient as directed by the occupational therapist or to meet patient care needs. Recognizes and incorporates safety procedures, precautions and contraindications in the delivery of therapy services. Uses multiple sources (i.e. patient factors, evidence-based practice, prior experience, colleagues) to guide selection of interventions. Identifies impairments and their influence on patient performance. Effectively contributes information and clinical insight to establish a therapy classification or diagnosis. Makes accurate predictions about patient outcomes. Contributes to establishing and/or modifying patient/family centered goals that accurately reflect anticipated patient outcomes. Contributes to establishing and/or modifying patient treatment plans based on patient status and progress towards goals. Is accountable and takes responsibility to identify and meet the needs of the patient. Seeks alternate strategies and/or other resources to make sure patient needs are met. Recognizes when patient presentation is outside of skill level and seeks guidance from supervising occupational therapist.


3. Interpersonal Abilities: Demonstrates respectful interactions with patients/clients, colleagues, and others.

Establishes and maintains rapport with patients by recognizing others' values and adapting interactions to build trust. Advocates on behalf of patients to appropriate individuals and is aware of common patient needs for similar patient populations. Identifies cultural factors that may impact treatment and plan of care and identifies appropriate resources to meet cultural needs and maximize patient outcomes. Works cooperatively with co-workers demonstrating respect, trust, and support. Consults with or refers to other colleagues/disciplines to meet patient needs. Incorporates critical feedback from supervisor and colleagues, and works towards improving areas of weakness. Demonstrates mutual understanding and respect of the relationship between supervising occupational therapist and OTA.

Facility General Responsibilities:

Attend facility new hire orientation as scheduled by HR Complete Department Orientation Initial Competency within 7 days of hire date Complete Department Initial Skills Competency within 90 days of hire date Follow facility and OSHA safety rules and procedures Respect cultural and religious practices of patients from all backgrounds Follow HIPAA regulations at all times Be punctual and dependent for assigned shifts Dress within the dress code requirements of the facility Identifies all patients using at least two identifiers verbally (name and DOB), and by checking ID bracelet Follows Hospital Wide and Department Specific policies and procedures Must interact with physicians, guest, staff, and patients pleasantly, cooperatively, and effectively

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Sound understanding of occupational therapy dynamics and work flow Sound understanding of occupational therapy practice Critical thinking and problem solving abilities Good Communication skills with ability to communicate appropriately with all age groups Versatile knowledge of basic computer skills with a preferred skill set of Information Technology, iCloud capabilities and Microsoft Office Ability to perform under stress and cope with difficult situations Good time management and organizational skills Continued practice of good stewardship as a representative member of the occupational therapy department as well as the hospital unit as a whole Must be able to work as a functioning member of the various team situations that a healthcare setting demands

Position Requirements: Education, Work Experience, Licensure, Certifications:

Associate's degree in occupational therapy assistant. Certified by the National Board for Certification. COTA license in the state of Tennessee.

Working Conditions:

Patients need round-the-clock care; therefore working hours include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Occupational therapy staff spends a considerable amount of time walking, bending, stretching, lifting, and standing; therefore, they must follow proper body mechanics to guard against injury. Occupational therapy staff must be able to work accurately around frequent interruptions. Occupational therapy staff may face hazards from exposure to chemicals and infectious diseases and must be prepared for such instances and take proper precautions at all times. In addition, occupational therapy staff may have to care for patients that may be confused, irrational, agitated, and/or uncooperative.

Physical Requirements / Demands:

Ability to lift twenty (20) pounds. Moving, lifting, or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds Ability to stand and walk for extended periods Ability to bend, lean, and stoop without hindrance; requires a full range of body motion Fine motor skills Visual acuity; normal range of hearing

Statement of Non-Inclusivity:

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, and qualifications which may be required of or given to any employee assigned to the position. The skills, duties, requirements, and responsibilities outlined in this job description may be changed or added to when deemed appropriate and necessary by the company or the person who is designated to be managerially responsible for this position. Receipt of the job description does not imply nor create a promise of employment, nor an employment contract of any kind. Employment with the company is an at-will relationship.