05/01/1986 31160

LICENSED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

DEFINITION: This is para-professional work in the field of occupational therapy in a state hospital or facility.

An employee in this class selects and plans the use of occupational therapy techniques, media, and activities to achieve treatment/habilitative goals; collaborates with the supervisor in the preparation of written treatment/habilitative plans; counsels patients/residents and engages them in remedial activities or tasks; and contributes observations to be included in the clinical and progress records. Supervision is received from a licensed Occupational Therapist and work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of work in progress.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Assists in the administration and/or scoring of routine, standardized occupational therapy evaluation procedures under the supervision of the licensed Occupational Therapist; collects data regarding patients'/residents' work capacity and existing skills, interests, life styles, and attitudes; assists in evaluation of data and reports results to the treatment/habilitative team.

Selects specified remedial tasks or activities as appropriate to treatment/habilitative needs and goals which utilize the patients'/residents' strengths and to meet occupational and leisure needs in consultation with the patients/residents and under the supervision of the licensed Occupational Therapist; identifies contraindication for involvement in a given activity.

Counsels patients/residents regarding resources within the community; facilitates community involvement; makes referrals to other programs or agencies as directed; teaches and/or assists patients/residents in remedial tasks under the supervision and/or in collaboration with a licensed Occupational Therapist; uses group and/or one-to-one interpersonal relationships to develop and sustain interest, capacities, and adaptive skills.

Evaluates response and measures change and development in collaboration with or under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist; counsels patients/residents regarding progress, goals, and plans; keeps progress notes; compiles records and posts specific data to maintain records as required; reviews progress with the treatment team.

Assists in the determination of space, equipment, and supply needs; maintains inventory and insures safety and maintenance of program area and equipment, at the direction of the licensed Occupational Therapist.

Provides direction to Therapeutic Activity Aides, volunteers and other non-professional staff as appropriate and directed under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.

Participates in in-service education to enhance skill; assists in planning and implementation of such programs.

Measures and constructs a variety of common splints and adaptive equipment.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of basic occupational therapy techniques in the use of therapeutic craft media, activities of daily living, and therapeutic activity modalities and of applicable health and safety precautionary measures.

Knowledge of activity analysis and adapting media to meet individual needs toward achieving treatment/habilitative goals.

Knowledge of administration and scoring of routine standardized occupational therapy evaluation procedures.

Skill in measuring and constructing a variety of common splints and adaptive equipment.

Ability to work with physically and/or mentally disabled patients/residents, individually and in groups.

Ability to counsel patients/residents regarding progress, goals and community resources.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to keep progress notes, and to compile and report specific data as directed.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a license to assist in the practice of occupational therapy, under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure, or possession of a temporary license.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Persons possessing a temporary license will be accepted pending full licensure which must occur within one year after employment.