Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Class Specifications – H.80
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant III – 8947
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant II – 8948
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant I – 8949

June 1990

Series Concept

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants serve in an adjunct capacity to Occupational Therapists. As certified technicians, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants provide diversional and recreational activity programs, and assist Therapists in therapeutic treatment programs. Incumbents read medical records of assigned patients and, without need for prior verbal instructions, independently initiate and follow the treatment plan provided by the Occupational Therapist. They write daily progress notes on patients treated, and independently sign these notes without need for a co-signature by an Occupational Therapist. Incumbents instruct patients in activities of daily living skills (e.g., dressing, bathing, grooming, hygiene, kitchen, and transfer); wheelchair mobility; and community reorientation. They provide treatment to patients which may include exercises and activities to promote optimal joint range of motion, strength, endurance, coordination, balance, and independent physical function. They provide activities to patients which promote improvement of cognitive and visual-perception functions. They monitor patients’ safety and report to Occupational Therapist any problems related to patient condition or safety. They plan and implement recreational outings and activities, and instruct patients in arts and crafts. They may design and fabricate special equipment and devices to assist disabled patients. They also prepare accurate charges for patients’ treatment; maintain clerical records and statistical information on patients; maintain tools, equipment, and activity rooms in a clean and functional state; and order and maintain inventory for saleable and expendable supplies.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants are distinguished from Occupational Therapists in that they are not legally able to assess, evaluate, or discharge patients. They are distinguished from uncertified occupational therapy aides in that they can treat patients without supervision and sign patients’ charts without Therapist co-signature.

Class Concepts

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant III

Under general supervision, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants III perform the full range of patient care duties outlined in the Series Concept, usually with the most difficult or complex cases. Incumbents serve in a liaison capacity between the Occupational Therapists and the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and uncertified occupational therapy aides, and have lead responsibilities over a group of Occupational Therapy Assistants I and II, and/or uncertified occupational therapy aides.

This includes scheduling employees’ work hours and days off; assigning patient treatment cases; monitoring work for adherence to professional and departmental standards; and orienting and training new employees. Incumbents may also be assigned responsibility for preparing accurate charges for patients’ treatment and for ordering needed supplies.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant II

Under general supervision, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants II perform the full range of patient care duties outlined in the Series Concept. They may be assigned to the most complex patient treatment cases. Incumbents may also help orient and train new employees.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant I

Under supervision, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants I perform the full range of duties outlined in the Series Concept. Incumbents are typically assigned less difficult patient treatment cases than those assigned to the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant II.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of an Occupational Therapy Assistant training program approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association; possession of current valid certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant; and possession of the skills, knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Note: Specific qualification requirements are approved for positions by the Personnel Manager.