DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a skilled sub professional position involving responsibility for assisting an Occupational Therapist in the application of treatment procedures. The work is performed under the direct supervision of an Occupational Therapist who evaluates the patient, develops the treatment plan, and designates treatment procedures to be followed. Patient* progress and observations are reported to the Occupational Therapist who modifies the treatment to promote maximum rehabilitative and restorative measures. Supervision may be exercised over the work of assigned Occupational Therapy Aides. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Carries out occupational therapy procedures by working with patients individually or in groups to provide treatment of an illness or disability and training in the activities of daily living;
Confers periodically with an Occupational therapist regarding all facets of patient care and related activities;
May fabricate and apply splints and assistive devices, trains patients in self-care activities, and uses varied media to improve their physical or mental functioning;
Prepares and sets up occupational therapy treatment apparatus;
Participates with other facility personnel in the formulation of patients’ total health care plans;
Observes, records and reports patients’ reactions to occupational therapy treatments and programs;
Prepares and maintains records of treatment;
Provides for and observes safety precautions during all phases of therapy;
Inventories, cleans, stores and maintains supplies and equipment.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them for the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of the principles, techniques and terminology of occupational therapy treatment procedures; working knowledge of occupational therapy materials and equipment and their appropriate application to a variety of patient disabilities; ability to observe, record and report patients’ responses to treatment; ability to work effectively with the aged, ill and disabled; ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of the job.
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or fell objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk, talk, hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus and make visual observations.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Certified by the New York State Education Department as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
*The term “patient” should be changed to “resident” when position is used in health related facilities.