Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (Outpatient)

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center; Cherry Valley (MD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant to provide direct OT services to inpatients, including ADL evaluation and treatment planning under supervision of a licensed OT. The role emphasizes independence in evaluation and treatment, staff education, and serving as a clinical resource for the team.

Responsibilities include documentation, discharge planning, DME recommendations, and collaboration with interdisciplinary staff.

Qualifications

• OTA licensure for MD/DC/VA as required for the location.
• CPR certification (AHA or Red Cross) within 90 days.
• 1-2 years clinical experience in an inpatient rehabilitation setting preferred.
• Knowledge of ADL evaluation and discharge planning.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct occupational therapy services including ADL evaluation and treatment planning under supervision of a licensed therapist.
• Completes accurate documentation, discharge planning, and DME recommendations.
• Provides staff education and serves as a resource for OT staff.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team and participates in team conferences.

Skills

Professional competency as an OTA

Independent treatment approaches

Independent evaluation

Education

Associate's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program

Job description

About the Job

General Summary of Position Provides direct occupational therapy services to patients including treatment training and equipment recommendations under the direct supervision of a licensed licensed occupational therapist. Occupational Therapy Assistants provide ADL evaluation under the direct supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. Independently serves as a clinical resource to other staff in areas of expertise. Independently provides staff education project development and staff development at supervisor's request. Provides leadership and role modeling for other COTA staff to meet service area needs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• CLINICAL CARE: Provides effective and efficient evidence based care. Provides patient care duties under the supervision of a licensed therapist as it relates to occupational therapy following accreditation guidelines professional code of ethics and standards of practice to include: ADL evaluation/ re-evaluation treatment planning DME recommendations and discharge planning. Provides education to and training to patients and their families/caregivers. Accesses appropriate additional information for individualized patient care. d. Demonstrates sound clinical reasoning during patient care to maximize effective and safe outcomes.
• DOCUMENTATION: Completes accurate and timely documentation. Maintains accurate and timely documentation to include clinical interventions provided discharge and equipment recommendations charges and prescriptions. Documentation reflects need for acute rehab level of care to include patient/ family education training treatment intensity and duration. Follows Medstar NRH documentation policy. Writes legible conference reports patient flowsheets time off checklists and all other written documents in a timely manner. Completes outcome data according to department guidelines.
• PRODUCTIVITY AND TIME MANAGEMENT: Demonstrates effective time management and meets productivity expectations. Meets established productivity targets. Maintains accurate schedules for all patients and professional activities. Is timely punctual and is prepared for meetings.
• COMMUNICATION: Utilizes professional communication in decision making and problem solving. Consistently communicates & conducts self in a professional manner. Uses written verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the specific audience. Participates in team conferences and family conferences as appropriate. Collaborates interventions with other team members towards an interdisciplinary approach. Actively participates in general staff and team meetings. Communicates opportunities for process improvement that impacts patient care & operations.
• DEVELOPMENT: Participates in developmental activities for continued professional growth. Takes initiative in pursuing and directing continuing education for professional growth and competency for self. Serves as a resource and preceptor for new employee and student orientation for the Occupational Therapy Service and team-based activities. Participates in development and implementation of goals and objectives for the program area as delegated by Clinical Supervisor or Management. Participates in in-services and continuing education programs. Disseminates continuing education information to staff and students. Participates in ongoing clinical and administrative system development data collection and process improvement to assure optimal functioning of service area.
• Participates in peer review program evaluation and process improvement activities on a regular basis and for special projects. Assists in developing revising or reviewing treatment guidelines in specialty area as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor or Management. Serves as Clinical Instructor for COTA students and volunteers. Physical Requirements Equipment Used: Working

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• Associate's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program required

Experience

• 1-2 years clinical experience in an inpatient rehabilitation setting preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• OTA - Occupational Therapist Assistant Maryland District of Columbia (DC) and/or Virginia licensure required as deemed necessary for your specific location(s) required and
• CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required
• Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Professional competency as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Demonstrated independent use of varied treatment approaches.
• Demonstrated independence of varied evaluation under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist

This position has a hiring range of USD $25.86 - USD $46.12 /Hr.