OT-PT Assistant

The OTA/PTA role will practice under the guidelines and direction of a qualified Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist in the provision of patient care within the Acute Stroke Unit, either in a directly collaborative or delegated capacity. Under the directions of the Therapists, the OTA/PTA engages the client in purposeful activity, functional mobility, transfers and ambulation, therapeutic exercise and/or adaptive strategies (eg. ADL re-training) in conjunction with therapeutic methods, medical and safety precautions to achieve identified goals. The OTA/PTA monitors and documents the client's progress on flow sheets and /or interdisciplinary notes on the patient's health record as required. The OTA/PTA communicates with supervising Therapists about client progress and need for possible program modifications on a consistent and timely basis and may discuss and instruct caregivers regarding client activities and will support and reinforce treatment plans under the directions of theTherapists. The OTA/PTA will facilitate individual and/or group programs utilzing a patient and family centred approach under the guidelines of the OT/OT treatment protocol. The OTA/PTA may provide clients with adaptive aids and equipment as well as perform adjustments, modifictions and minor repairs to this equipment as assigned. Non-patient care duties may include services related to the management of OT/PT treatment areas and equipment and supply inventory in order to ensure provision of optimal patient care. The OTA/PTA may assist the Therapists in identifying/updating community resources, preparing educational materials and reinforcing community linkages, which support the implementation of the discharge plan. The OTA/PTA may also have the opportunity to be involved in student educational activities. Some coverage of other clinical areas may be provided as needed.

1. Graduate of a recognized, accredited OTA/PTA Certificate or Diploma program from an approved Community College.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of adaptive aids and equipment, knowledge of adapting and teaching use of walking/mobility aids.
3. Demonstrated excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
4. Ability to function collaboratively as an integral member of the healthcare team and express respect and sensitivity towards patient population.
5. Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, problem solve and work independently once assigned.
6. Demonstrated excellent problem-solving, clinical reasoning and professional judgement.
7. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, organizational and initiation skills.
8. Demontrated ability to communicate a clear understanding of the OTA/PTA role and the OT and PT services to client/family/staff as required.
9. Physically able to meet the demands of the job including walking, standing for prolonged periods of time, stooping, kneeling, reaching, lifting plus transferring heavy patients.