Definition
Performs professional occupational therapy work involving the assessment of motor function, neuro-developmental, perceptual, and/or personal-social development and treatment of residents at a state institution; performs related work as required.
Work Examples
Designs treatment programs to teach self-help skills in activities of daily living or to elicit improved perceptual, neuro-developmental, motor, and personal-social skills from residents on an individual basis; assesses effectiveness of treatment plans.
Implements therapeutic treatment of an arts and crafts modality through directing, instructing, and assisting residents in use of ceramic, leather, basketry, metal, wood, cloth or other materials to produce useful or decorative objectives; offers psychological support to residents.
Writes resident progress notes and reports recording resident response in a treatment program.
Participates as a member of the treatment team; gives evaluation and progress reports on residents; offers and receives recommendations, suggestions and expertise concerning the resident and treatment plan.
Designs and produces adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, positioning chairs, utensils, splints or other elementary orthotic devices for use by residents with mental and physical disabilities; instructs technical level staff in the use of such.
Administers and interprets standardized and non-standardized tests and evaluations in assessing residents developmental level psycho-social skills, sensory integration, hand function, and self-help skills.
Observes lower level staff in implementation of treatment plans; makes suggestions for more effective training techniques.
Requisitions materials and supplies as needed; maintains an inventory of items used in the program.
Assists a supervisor by performing such duties as instructing employees, answering questions, distributing and balancing the workload and checking, work; may make suggestions on appointments, promotions, and reassignments.
Competencies Required
Knowledge of the principles and practices of occupational therapy.
Knowledge of human growth and development.
Knowledge of human behavior as related to the therapeutic treatment of institutional residents.
Knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology as related to the practice of occupational therapy.
Knowledge of the techniques and equipment needed for a variety of arts and crafts media used in a therapeutic setting.
Knowledge of the use of adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, positioning chairs, utensils, and splints.
Knowledge of the basic principles and procedures of first aid as related to the needs of institutional residents.
Knowledge of institutional rules and regulations as related to resident care and employees.
Knowledge of the potential hazards associated with the equipment, tools, and materials used in the occupational therapy unit.
Knowledge of the theory and practice of administering, scoring, and interpreting a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests relating to the assessment of occupational therapy needs.
Ability to observe and make written or oral reports on resident behavior, performance, or response.
Ability to maintain written records, charts, and progress notes relating to the treatment program of a resident.
Ability to stimulate and maintain the interest of a resident in therapeutic activities.
Ability to instruct residents in various arts and crafts.
Ability to keep abreast of current trends and literature in the field of occupational therapy.
Ability to apply lead direction to technical staff.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest and unethical behavior.
- Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.
Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.
Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements
Licensure or a limited permit to practice as an Occupational Therapist as issued by the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy Examiners.
Notes
At the time of interview, applicants referred to Glenwood and Woodward State Hospital/Schools will be assessed to determine if they meet federal government employment requirements as published in the Federal Register, Volume 39, No. 12, Thursday, January 17, 1974, Section 20 CFR-405. 1101.