NHS Human Services, Inc.

Buffalo. Optimal Therapy Associates Services. Occupational Therapy Assistant. FT. 1st Shift. Mon-Sat. $21-$23/hr. Benefits.

DEFINITION: Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) will assist the Occupational Therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with NYS laws, assist in development of treatment plans; carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. OTAs in education systems are considered to be related service personnel. Services provided in an educational setting are designed to enhance the students potential for learning, to assist the student in acquiring those functional performance skills needed to participate in and benefit from the educational environment. Functional life skills, including self-help/ADLs may be addressed when working with students in functional based/ life skills based classrooms. These services include completion/assisting OT with assessment/re-assessment, therapeutic intervention/treatment, documentation, collaboration with teachers, other school personnel and families and participation in meetings and conferences. SUPERVISION: Reports directly to the Team Supervisor and/or Team manager May receive clinical supervision from a treating OT May receive direct or indirect supervision by the Director of Occupational Therapy School Based Services JOB REQUIREMENTS: Education: graduation from an approved school with an Associates or Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience: have experience satisfactory to the board in accordance with the commissioner's regulations; Age: be at least eighteen years of age; Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department and uphold the company values as outlined in the OTAS Employee Manual Registration: all licensed occupational therapy assistants shall register triennially with the department in accordance with the regulations of the commissioner; Licensure: responsible for payment and renewal of New York State licensure every 3 years Background Checks: proof of fingerprint clearance via NYS TEACH system Medical: pre-employment physical with proof of required immunizations, annual medical proof of good health required thereafter 2 KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Assessment with OT supervision and treatment, direct serviced, documentation in program development/revision Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to treat students with a variety of learning, developmental, emotional, and physical disabilities Knowledge and skills of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar in order to produce quality documentation of services provided Skills in providing direct service; consultation and monitoring of programs by using logic and reasoning to identify the strength and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems Written and verbal communication skills at a competent level to provide information to supervisors, co-workers, families, school personnel, and subordinates by telephone, e-mail, or in person Skills in time management in order to work effectively independently and maintain documentation as required by regulations and OTAS standards, and maximize productivity Skills in staff training and development ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Knowledge of computer systems and the ability to work with word, Google docs, and data analysis programs. 2. Assist OT with assessment and/or complete re-assessments with supervision and/or assistance from OT a. Utilize the most appropriate test/tool to determine students status b. Follow standardized and/or professionally accepted technique for administering tests with assist/supervision from OT