The Occupational Therapy Assistant primarily provides outpatient rehabilitation services in an in-home setting for the older adult population. The in-home setting may include a patient’s private residence or an independent living facility. This role allows the Occupational Therapy Assistant to treat patients in their most functional environment—their home.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant implements occupational therapy programs and provides treatment interventions to facilitate increased independence and functional performance under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. This position offers a flexible schedule and work environment across various settings.
Attends and contributes to patient care conferences, staffing meetings, and required meetings as a representative of occupational therapy under the direction of the Occupational Therapist.
Adheres to departmental and patient treatment schedules, including timely clinical documentation, billing, and attendance at work-related meetings.
Collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team to develop programs aligned with each patient’s needs and abilities.
Instructs patients, families, and caregivers in occupational therapy techniques under Occupational Therapist supervision.
Maintains accurate, complete, and timely documentation for all patients treated.
Cleans, maintains, and reports the need for repair of therapy equipment as necessary.
Puts patient service first by delivering care in a compassionate, respectful manner that recognizes patient rights and individual needs.
Implements individualized treatment plans established by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Provides individualized occupational therapy interventions, including but not limited to:
Cognitive skills
Muscle strength
Coordination
Endurance
Mobility
Perceptual abilities
Sensory awareness
Sitting and standing tolerance
Balance
Activities of daily living (ADLs)
Joint protection
Work simplification
Orientation
Physical agent modalities
Low vision interventions
Fall risk management
Medication management
Health and wellness
Community integration and reintegration
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Valid Occupational Therapy Assistant license in the state(s) of practice or proof of license eligibility.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to patient residences.
Strong organizational and time management skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and ethical standards, including HIPAA and compliance programs.
Participates in required orientation and training.
Reports suspected non-compliance through appropriate channels.
Cooperates with audits, monitoring, and investigations.
Participates in quality assurance and performance improvement activities as requested.
Yes/No:
Reaching (overhead) – Yes
Handling – Yes
Fingering – Yes
Feeling – Yes
Talking/Hearing – Yes
Seeing – Yes
Fine Manipulation – Yes
Frequency:
Standing – Frequently (67–100%)
Walking – Frequently (67–100%)
Sitting – Occasionally (34–66%)
Weight Requirements (lbs):
Pulling – 50
Lifting – 50
Carrying – 50
Pushing – 50
Climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting – Yes
Inside: 90%
Outside: 10%
Exposure to noise, moving machinery, uneven ground, and automotive equipment
Occasional use of protective equipment (gowns, gloves, masks)
Measurable performance standards
Frequent interaction with people
Repetitive tasks
Work under stress
Problem-solving and following instructions