OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Definition

Under the direction of a Senior Occupational Therapist or other supervisor, assists in the professional occupational therapy program; may be assigned the responsibility for a specific phase of the professional therapy program; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• As directed, assists with the work involved in the programs and activities of the occupational therapy program of the institution.
• Assists in the planning and execution of occupational therapy activities for specified patients and groups of patients.
• Consults with other rehabilitation team members to select activity programs consistent with patients' needs and capabilities; coordinates occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.
• May assign, instruct, and supervise the work of Therapy Aides, Therapy Assistants, and other institution employees assigned to the occupational therapy unit.
• Reviews patients' records and the recommendations of the medical staff; prepares and conducts specific occupational therapy programs for individual patients.
• As required, may attend and participate in medical and occupational therapy staff and other meetings and conferences.
• Assists with sales and exhibits of articles produced by the occupational therapy unit.
• Prepares and maintains records of individual patients and other records, including equipment inventories, attendance records, articles completed, and patient progress, and statistical reports.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• May be required to engage in lifting clients when working in a setting which provides direct services to clients who are non- ambulant, or who are semi-ambulant and/or have severe physical handicaps.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in Occupational Therapy.

License

Applicants must possess a license as an Occupational Therapist issued by the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, Department of Law and Public Safety.

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, standards, practices, and techniques of occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of occupational therapy materials and equipment and their utilization.
• Knowledge of the problems encountered in occupational therapy work.
• Ability to physically lift, move, and position clients as needed.
• Ability to organize assigned occupational therapy work, and develop appropriate work methods.
• Ability to plan, conduct, and supervise the course of occupational therapy for designated patients.
• Ability to assign, instruct, and supervise Therapy Aides, Therapy Program Assistants, and other employees assigned to the occupational therapy unit.
• Ability to read and interpret rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to work harmoniously with medical staff, supervisory officers, and patients and others involved with the occupational therapy program.
• Ability to prepare accurate and detailed patient progress and other reports of the occupational therapy program containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Appointees to positions in day training centers and other educational facilities identified by the New Jersey Department of Education will be required to possess the appropriate educational certification issued by the New Jersey Department of Education.

SPECIAL

Ability to physically lift, move and position clients as needed.