Occupational Therapy Assistant
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: TQ11
Class Code: 8292
Established: 07/13/1978
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist, to assist in providing occupational therapy services; and to do such other related duties as required.
Typical Tasks
Carries out individual or group program or portions thereof as planned by or under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist; assists in administering and scoring routine tests and evaluations to determine clients' daily living skills and capacities; helps plan and implement remedial tasks or activities for clients to meet treatment goals; trains and assists clients in developing skills, interests and life styles that develop self-sufficiency in overcoming disabilities and encourage independent functioning; assists in providing developmental exercise, multiple sensory stimulation, self-care activities, sensory integrative and perceptual motor experience to restore, reinforce or establish sensory-motor, psychosocial and cognitive function and develop self- sufficiency in overcoming disabilities; observes and reports client response to treatment; prepares work materials and assists in maintaining treatment areas and equipment in satisfactory operating condition; maintains safe environment for client; keeps progress notes and post-treatment data in records; may attend clinics; may prepare reports; and may perform clerical and reception activities related to occupational therapy.
Minimum Qualifications
Certification by the American Occupational Therapy Association as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. (Applicants who are eligible for certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant will be admitted to the examination but they must secure the certificate before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Concepts and scope of occupational therapy and its relationships to other health care professions; professional ethics and conduct; human anatomy and physiology; human growth and development; psychosocial and pathophysiological conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Ability to: Establish effective therapeutic relationships with mentally and physically handicapped persons; communicate with disturbed clients; communicate and collaborate effectively with other professional personnel; maintain ethical and professional standards of performance; utilize recognized methods in applying occupational therapy techniques; follow directions and work under close supervision; observe and record responses to treatment; and keep accurate records.
