Occupational Therapist Assistant

Provide direct OT therapy services and consultation for children birth to 36 months under the supervision and direction of a licensed occupational therapist. Perform and interpret assessments and evaluations. Closely collaborate and perform liaison duties with developmental specialists/service coordinators. Must follow all state, local and organization policies and procedures.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
• Administers and scores assessments; summarizes results; works with supervising OT to develop and recommend treatment plan.
• Plans, develops, and implements treatment protocols to treat, improve, or maintain client’s level of function under supervision of OT.
• Reviews and analyzes assessments and progress reports.
• Participates as a team member in initial and on-going developmental assessment and evaluation activities with children.
• Carries out interview and assessment/evaluation procedures in a child and family sensitive manner.
• Collaborates with families and other staff during team assessments/evaluations. Participates in planning an appropriate Early Intervention program for each child through the IFSP process.
• Works with supervising OT to make recommendations to families and other team members regarding therapeutic services needed to achieve IFSP outcomes.
• Designs individualized goals and objectives with families so that they are developmentally appropriate, functional in nature, and related to on-going routines of the home, class and/or community.
• Completes required paperwork accurately and in accordance with specified regulations and time lines.
• Acts as a resource to professionals and families, interpreting and monitoring implementation of all applicable standards, policies and procedures related to IFSP development, implementation and monitoring.
• Builds relationships with child and family which support a working partnership to accomplish IFSP goals.
• Facilitates collaboration with parents, teachers, and other professional staff through regular contact, paperwork (i.e. Contact Logs), and designated meetings.
• Prepares assessment/evaluation reports, summary of services, and team recommendations (Transition Summary) in collaboration with team members.
• Provides relationship based services which are family-centered and support the family’s daily routine and natural environments.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to linguistic, cultural, social, economic, individual and role difference among children and families served.
• Performs duties in an organized, efficient and timely manner.
• Responds to family’s need for changes in their program (i.e. Placement changes, attendance, transportation, and other service delivery issues).
• Adheres to established guidelines for billing and documentation.
• Shares pertinent information with supervisor and team members regarding work progress, successes, barriers, concerns and other areas that may have an impact on the program services or image.

Education and Experience Requirements
• Current New Mexico OT Assistant license and certification.
• Experience with provision of culturally appropriate services in Native American communities is highly desirable.

Special Skills
• Effective oral and written communications skills with internal and external consumers.
• Computer experience, knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, external data systems and web application.
• Attention to detail with ability to accurately handle large volume of documentation.
• Ability to solve unexpected problems as they arise while considering family needs/capabilities and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and coordinate a high caseload.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels within the organization.

NAPPR

Occupational Therapist Assistant