Occupational Therapist Assistant I
: Job Details :

Job Title: Occupational Therapist Assistant IJob Code: OTA IDepartment: Rehabilitation DepartmentDivision: OperationsSalary Level: Non-Exempt 8 Reports to: Rehabilitation Department Manager Last Revised: November 2024Primary Function The Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) is a licensed professional who works under the supervision and direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). The OT conducts the initial evaluation and establishes the plan of care for the patient. The OTA implements the plan of care, consulting the OT as indicated for change in plan of care, performs appropriate administrative duties and participates in educational program as assigned.Job Description The OTA carries out the following responsibilities according to the minimum standards established in Cherokee Indian Hospital's policies and procedures, the regulatory agencies of Cherokee Indian Hospital, the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the occupational therapy profession: Patient Care Activities - The OTA: Interprets the OT's treatment plan and obtains necessary historical information about the patient's condition from the OT, the physician, the patient, the family or the medical record. Implements the treatment plan, and provides treatments that may include mobility/transfers, gait training, exercise instruction/assistance, preparation of patient for and administration of various modalities, monitoring vital signs, pushing/pulling wheelchairs, equipment, furniture, and supplies, completing a wound management plan of care. Monitors the response of the patient to the plan of care and makes adaptations within the scope of their education and experience, consults with the supervising occupational therapist as indicated by patients' needs and response. Supervises and assists support personnel, aides, students and others. Instructs patients, family members and other health care personnel in topics of prevention, precaution and home programs of exercise or care. Assists in the procurement and appropriate use of needed adaptive equipment. Documents all activities appropriately in regular progress notes. Equipment/Supplies: safely operates a variety of therapeutic instruments and machines. Manages a caseload of patients who have been admitted to the Cherokee Indian Hospital and for whom a patient care plan has been developed by the OT. Implements the ordered plan of care for patients in the assigned caseload. Schedules patient visits of caseload; keeping in mind location of patient, frequency of visits, orders, and patient request. Determines patient progress toward goals. Confers with patient's evaluating therapist should care plan need changing. Maintains all files and records as required. Documents all encounters with patient and family members according to departmental policies and procedures and notes in care plan addendum as required. Participates in the quarterly QA assessment audits, as directed. Makes appropriate independent decisions about patients' needs without the on-site support of the institutional setting; knowing when to confer and when to proceed per the Occupational Therapy Practice Act Guidelines. Performs duties according to safety guidelines, federal policy, and tribal policy. Participates in specialty clinics. Performs other duties assigned by supervisor and/or department manager.Education / Experience Graduate from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. Current North Carolina state Occupational Therapist Assistant license or a state that is accepted as a reciprocity. One to three years of experience is preferred but not required Six to nine months in the position are required to become proficient in most phases of the job.Job Knowledge Must have a thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and guidelines of Cherokee Indian Hospital. Must have basic clerical skills. Requires the ability to maintain records, files, and logs. Must be able to collate data and prepare reports as required. Must have the ability to review facts, plan work, deal with facts not easily evaluated, interpret results, draw conclusions, and take or recommend actions. Must have good communication skills, both written and verbal. Must have an understanding of the EBCI culture, life styles, and risk factors. Complexity of Duties Clinically, the work involves planning and carrying out a full range of therapy treatments using a wide variety of therapeutic modalities. This includes evaluating a patient's condition and providing appropriate treatment intervention.Clinical decision-making requires a complex approach in methodology and interpretation due to elements as continuing change in the rehabilitation programs, technological developments in therapy and medical fields.Supervision Received The position is under the supervision of the Rehabilitation Department Manager. Hours worked will be Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 am and 5:00 pm. The incumbent performs all assigned duties in accordance with defined hospital regulations, policies, and procedures in order to accomplish each identified unit objective, priority, and deadline. Performs independently in carrying out each assignment. Must be able to work within the scope of practice with very little supervisory control.Responsibility for Accuracy A high degree of accuracy is required in performing basic procedures and in interpreting MD and OT orders. Undetected errors could have minimal or extreme results in patient comfort and recovery. Review of work following established procedures, protocol, and quality audits would prevent most errors. Contact with Others Has frequent contacts with coworkers, other health professionals, patients, and their families, where tact, courtesy, and diplomacy are required to maintain positive relationships. Such contacts are of an informal nature occurring in person, at routine meetings, or on the telephone. Requires sensitivity to others while dealing with patients and their families. Purpose of contacts is to exchange information, gain assistance, and dispense data.Incumbent participates in the training of Occupational Therapist Assistant students, facilitates/maintains working relationships with academic personnel and OTA interns from affiliated programs. Works with volunteers. Confidential Data An above average degree of discretion is required, and adherence to HIPPA is mandated by Federal Law. Must adhere to all hospital and tribal confidentiality policies, procedures, and guidelines. Has access to all medical records and prescribed treatment plans for patients; all of which are confidential. Must maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical, and personnel records, and all other pertinent information that comes to his/her attention or knowledge. Adheres to all tribal and federal guidelines, policies, and procedures for working with confidential data. Violations of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse action including dismissal. Mental / Visual / Physical The incumbent exercises initiative and independent judgement to plan and provide patient care services. The work is considered moderately active and requires the ability to walk, sit, reach, bend, and lift while assisting patients with exercises, transfers and ambulation. Prolonged standing and walking are required as well as the ability to perform manual therapy. Fine motor skills are needed for wound care and orthotic production. Job duties can be mentally/emotionally stressful at times. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. May occasionally move more than 15 pounds. Environment Involves various settings including inpatient ward, outpatient clinic, patient's homes, high school football fields, elementary school classrooms. Involves the use of protective garments including surgical mask, gloves, gowns and protective eyewear.Customer ServiceConsistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA's guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service. New position