Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative, Inc.; Buffalo, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative, Inc. seeks a School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant to support OT services in Buffalo-area schools.

You will assist with assessments, implement therapy plans, document progress, collaborate with teachers and families, and help supervise OTAS students, contributing to student growth and independence.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant per NYS requirements
• Experience: meet board regulations; age 18+
• Registration: triennial NYS registration
• Licensure: NYS licensure renewal every 3 years
• Background checks: fingerprint clearance via NYS TEACH
• Medical: pre-employment physical and required immunizations

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of computer systems and documentation
• Assist OT with assessment and re-assessments under supervision
• Implement treatment based on IEP goals
• Complete timely documentation and maintain confidentiality
• Collaborate with OT, school staff and families
• Supervise OTA students as assigned
• Maintain safe work environment and report injuries
• Placement to include therapy room, classroom, teletherapy, in-home as needed

Job description

School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

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 Associate's or Bachelor's 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

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. 1. Knowledge of computer systems and the ability to work with word, Google docs, and data analysis programs.
2. 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 student's status
   • b. Follow standardized and/or professionally accepted technique for administering tests with assist/supervision from OT
   • c. Develop appropriate measurable goals and objectives based on re-assessment data in conjunction with the OT
   • d. Monitor students progress and notify the OT immediately of any changes in their status or negative response to treatment
3. 3. Implement treatment based on IEP goals and objectives
   • a. Comply with state and federal guidelines, Board of Education policies, administrative rules, contract requirement and OTAS policies when implementing treatment
   • b. An OT must complete the initial evaluation
   • c. Follow all precautions and safety regulations
   • d. Utilize a variety of approaches and activities to achieve goals
   • e. Group, construct, modify and maintain adaptive equipment for positioning, ADLs, vocational and classroom use
   • f. Assist in monitoring work and school environments for accessibility
   • g. Help develop an awareness of individual student needs and assist OTR in monitoring these needs
4. 4. Complete documentation in a timely manner with supervision/assist from team members
   • a. Maintain confidential and accurate records
   • b. Comply with all of the school/OTAS requirements regarding reports, record keeping, etc.
5. 5. Collaborate with OT, team members, school/OTAS personnel and students family regarding student's program
   • a. Consult with OT regarding implementation and status of therapy goals
   • b. Independently provide information regarding established therapeutic programs to the school/OTAS
   • c. Consult with student's family regarding student status and activities to support therapy program
   • d. Instruct school/OTAS staff regarding use of equipment, positioning and integration of therapy goals into classroom/academic activities to enhance function
   • e. Provide educational/in-service activities for school/OTAS staff
   • f. Assure proper follow through of OT activities/recommendations across all environments
   • g. Consult with other members of the educational team to maximize effectiveness of treatment
   • h. Attend meetings, parent conferences etc, as needed
   • i. Participate in team and OTAS meetings
   • j. Inform and/or refer student/family to appropriate community resources/services
6. 6. Supervise OTA students (SOTA) as assigned by the Fieldwork Coordinator under supervision of the OT
7. 7. All employees are required to maintain a safe work environment and be cognizant of personal safety. You are requested to inspect your work area(s) and equipment daily and report any unsafe conditions/equipment.
8. 8. All employees are required to report all on-the-job injuries to the OTAS office as soon as they occur.
9. 9. Placement to include therapy room, classroom, teletherapy, in home, and neutral site as indicated by district

OTHER DUTIES

• Assists and orientates new employees in departmental procedure
• Facilitate professional growth through literature review and attendance at in-services
• Keep up to date technically. Share new knowledge with team and apply new knowledge to the job
• Assist in program development/revision
• Assist in maintaining neat and orderly work area in all locations
• Clean your equipment and work areas daily
• Assist in maintaining adequate inventory of supplies and equipment used in treatment
• Recommend new equipment for purchase
• Assist in Quality improvement and peer review activities
• May be required to carry out other tasks as requested