Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Overview

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (C.O.T.A./L.) performs under the supervision of the Registered Occupational Therapist (O.T.R.) to provide rehabilitation therapy to patients of all ages with temporary or chronic physical and psychosocial disability. Therapy aims to improve physical function and promote mental adjustment through activities of daily living, manual and creative skills, educational and recreational activities, facilitation techniques, developmental skills, and other techniques as applicable to patient needs.

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (C.O.T.A./L.) assists the Registered Occupational Therapist in providing rehabilitation therapy to patients of all ages with temporary or chronic physical and psychosocial disability as described above.

Bending, stooping, lifting patients and equipment when necessary. Pushing patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers. Adjusting equipment to meet the specific needs of the patient treatment. Being alert and attentive to perceive reactions that patients may have to treatment. Ability to work under pressure and/or stress on occasion.

Desire to work with and for people with temporary and/or chronic mental, physical, or developmental disabilities. Knowledge of medical terminology is needed to understand patient evaluation and to chart patient progress satisfactorily. Knowledge of and experience in various arts and crafts that can be utilized by patients to build strength and promote function in upper and lower extremities as well as enhance one's self-esteem and independence.

Good common sense and ability to reason are needed to organize activities and use available supplies to subordinate treatment programs. An attitude of firm kindness in dealing with patients is necessary. Must be able to hold in confidence all matters of a personal nature regarding the patient and/or his or her family coming to his or her knowledge and to disclose such information only when it is in the best interest of the patient.

Ability to be versatile in dealing with a variety of patients and treatment programs.

EDUCATION:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant has satisfactorily completed an Occupational Therapy curriculum approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association, is certified and holds current certification with said professional organization.

EXPERIENCE:

When educational requirements are met, no previous experience is necessary, but would be desirable.

Authority:
Under the direction of the Registered Occupational Therapist, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant gives treatment only on written or verbal procedures as prescribed by a medical doctor or D.O.

SOURCE OF WORKERS:
From schools of Occupational Therapy and from classified ads in professional publications.

SUPERVISED BY:
Registered Occupational Therapist.

WORKERS SUPERVISED:
Occupational Therapy Rehab Aide, Volunteers, and Technicians.