Occupational Therapy Assistant

Patient-Centered Care 

• Implement treatment plans as directed by the supervising occupational therapist, administering therapeutic exercises, activities, and interventions. Adapt and progress within scope of practice limitations and communicate findings to supervising occupational therapists (or other team members) as applicable based on best practices. May provide mobility support and screenings if indicated and appropriate. 

• Monitor and document patients' progress, communicating status changes to the supervising occupational therapist. 

• Adjust treatments based on patients' responses and feedback from the occupational therapist. 

Collaboration and Communication 

• Collaborate with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic patient care. 

• May participate in care conferences to discuss patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary. 

• Effectively communicate with patients, their families, team members, and other partners and stakeholders to foster a collaborative and patient-centered approach to care. 

Documentation 

• Perform point-of-service documentation where possible. Ultimately, ensure accurate and timely recording of patient progress, treatment interventions, and charges (or comparable information as applicable). 

• Maintain patient records in compliance with legal and institutional requirements. 

Professional Development and Adherence to Standards 

• Engage in continuous learning and professional development to maintain licensure and provide high-quality care. 

• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in occupational therapy. 

• Follow all institutional policies, guidelines, and protocols related to patient care and safety. 

• Maintain compliance with ethical and professional standards in occupational therapy. 

Customer Experience 

• Actively promote an excellent experience for all patients, families, team members, and other partners and stakeholders. 

Productivity Standards 

• Maintain productivity standards as delineated in departmental key performance indicators (KPIs). 

Safety 

• Ensure patient safety during therapy sessions, adhering to infection control protocols, and maintaining or supporting a safe environment of care. 

Equipment and Assistive Devices 

• Instruct patients in the proper use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices to promote independence. 

Patient Education 

• Educate patients and their families on techniques, exercises, and strategies to support treatment goals outside therapy sessions. 

Attendance and Reliability 

• Demonstrate consistent attendance and reliability to ensure continuous patient care and departmental efficiency. 

Additional Duties 

• Perform additional duties as outlined by the manager or director. 

Essential Functions 

• Implement treatment plans and administer therapeutic exercises, activities, and interventions. 

• Monitor and document patients' progress, communicating status changes to the supervising occupational therapist. 

• Adjust treatments based on patients' responses and feedback from the occupational therapist. 

• Instruct patients in the proper use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices. 

• Educate patients and their families on techniques, exercises, and strategies to support treatment goals. 

• Maintain occupational therapy equipment and inventory of departmental supplies. 

• Provide appropriate and timely documentation and updates for all parties involved (including but not limited to physicians, APPs, therapy team members, patient access team members, fitness team members, sports medicine team members, other care team members, patients, families, supervisors, etc.) and support a safe and secure environment of care. 

Qualifications 

• Valid certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). 

• State licensure in South Carolina required. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently. 

• Compassion, patience, and empathy when working with patients. 

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques. 

• Understanding of relevant laws and regulations governing occupational therapy.