Certified OT Assistant

The OTA is a skilled clinician who provides occupational therapy services to patients under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. Occupational therapy is provided for treatment of physical disability or psychological disorders. All OTAs require at least general supervision by an OT. The level of supervision is related to the ability of the OTA to safely and effectively provide these interventions delegated by the OT.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Incorporate information gained in the OT evaluation and assessment to determine appropriate, specific treatment interventions.
• Involve patient/family/caregiver in treatment planning.
• Demonstrate competence in performing all procedures and treatments required in area of practice including but not exclusive to those listed in the Competency Inventory.
• Demonstrate awareness of continuity of patient care by following established plans.
• Modify patient care based on continual assessment of the patient and effect of treatment intervention.
• Demonstrate skills in identifying, interpreting, and incorporating patient’s psychological, physical, and social responses to intervention.
• Provide and/or recommend equipment or supplies for home use.
• Provide for patient’s personal care and environment throughout the treatment.
• Provide education appropriate to each patient’s level of understanding regarding evaluation, treatment, and self-responsibility.
• Instruct in home treatment program to facilitate rehabilitation and promote independence in care as appropriate.
• Collaborate with patient, caregivers, and other health care professionals in planning discharge from rehabilitation services.
• Initiate discharge planning at time of initial intervention.
• Confer and communicate with referring physicians and other appropriate persons through the use of progress notes, letters, evaluations, team meetings, and direct contact concerning the proposed course, progress, and discharge plan of each patient.
• Complete clear, concise, and clinically useful documentation in medical records in a timely manner according to organizational policy.
• Obtain countersignatures by OT according to department policy.
• Seek appropriate information and feedback from the supervising OT in order to provide optimal care.
• Provide clinical supervision to OTA students on site.
• Participate in and knowledgeable of QA&I activities.
• Ensure patient and departmental safety through work requests, following safety procedures and other appropriate measures.
• Assist in orientation and training of new employees and students as appropriate.
• Conduct, participate in, and supervise the training and observation of medical and nursing personnel, students, and other persons in occupational therapy.
• Market and promote occupational therapy services appropriately.
• Submit capital equipment recommendations as appropriate.
• Arrange for patient care items as appropriate. Responsible for maintaining appropriate supply inventory.
• Inform Manager or Director of department needs.

Education & Experience

Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from an ACOTE accredited program. Preference may be given to individuals with advanced clinical experience or expertise.

Licensure & Certification

Must be fully certified in Indiana to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. May work with a Temporary Permit under the stipulated supervision of an OT in accordance with Indiana regulation. Additionally, if assigned to provide services in Ohio, the OTA is required to hold a current OH license. Basic Life Support certification is required.