Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Provides occupational therapy services.  Assists an Occupational Therapist with rehabilitative activities for patients who may have developmental, physical and emotional impairments. Prepares equipment for treatment and may perform clerical duties for the department.

Qualifications

Requires an associate degree and passing of a national examination to be a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA).

Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card through American Heart Association or obtain within one month of hire.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

• Assists with the patient evaluation, under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, by obtaining information such as occupational role, activities of daily living, history, cognition, perception, strength and range of motion.
• Assists with establishing the patient's treatment plan and goals.
• Provides direct patient care services utilizing appropriate procedures, equipment and techniques under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.
• Modifies treatment approaches to reflect the needs of the patient under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.
• Adapts intervention of the environment, tools, materials and activities according to the needs of the patient and his/her socio-cultural context.
• Communicates and interacts with other team members and the patient's family and care givers.
• Formulates discontinuation of patient care and follow-up plans under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.
• Provides documentation of patient care in accordance with established criteria.
• Schedules patient appointments and prioritizes case load.
• Maintains treatment area, equipment and supply inventory.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement projects.
• Directs the activities of aides and volunteers.
• Participates in activities such as departmental in-services, conferences, staff and team meetings, continuing education courses, clinics and research.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Seldom: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.