Job Summary:

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) perform components of occupational therapy procedures and related tasks selected by a supervising occupational therapist. These workers help in the planning and implementing educational, vocational, and recreational programs designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance task performances, diminish or correct pathology, and to promote and maintain health and self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities: 

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants provide care to people based on the application of scientific occupational therapy principles. Responsibilities of the Occupational Therapy Assistant include (but are not limited to):   

• Assists in the evaluation of patients’ daily living skills and capacities to determine extent of abilities and limitations
• Instructs patients and families in home programs, basic living skills
• Monitors patients’ rehabilitative activities to make sure they are performed correctly and provides encouragement
• Teaches patients about the care and the use of adaptive equipment
• Teaches basic living skills to institutionalized, mentally disabled adults
• Aids patients in dressing and grooming themselves
• Prepares materials and assembles equipment used during treatment
• Keeps track of and documents patients’ progress, attitudes and behavior for the occupational therapist
• Records patient health insurance bills
• Performs clerical duties

Required Skills/Abilities:  

The hours and days that Occupational Therapy Assistants work varies by assignment setting; evening and weekend work may be required in order to fit patient schedules. The job is physically demanding. Occupational Therapy Assistants are required to stand for long periods of time. They spend considerable time stooping, kneeling and crouching. A moderate degree of strength is required, as they assist with patient transfers and lifts or help them turn, stand or walk. So, to guard against back injury, OTAs must follow proper body mechanics and procedures for lifting/moving patients.

Education Requirements

• Current OTA license, in good standing with the State licensing board
• Cognitive skills as related to the position