Occupational Therapy Assistant

Miami Jewish Health is one of the largest providers of healthcare and living options for aging adults in the Southeast. We operate Florida PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) Centers, the largest PACE program in Florida, which serves as health plan, healthcare provider, and social center designed for older adults with complex medical needs. We have four adult day health centers that serve participants in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Our careers are challenging, meaningful and rewarding. Join us now to do purposeful work in supporting our community’s seniors and their families.

The following Job Description will also apply at Broward Pace Program sites.

Job Title: Occupational Therapy Assistant (Florida PACE Centers)

Job Summary

Provides Occupational Therapy services to participants of the Florida PACE Centers. Assists in the assessment and treatment, development and implementation of programs, and related professional services under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist (OT).

Essential Job Functions

• Assists the Occupational Therapist in participant assessments as indicated Assessments include but are not limited to the physical, social, and psychological needs of the participants and their families ADL status, cognitive functioning, visual-perception deficits, feeding skills, cooking skills, home safety assessments, environmental and durable medical equipment needs
• Assists OT in formulating an intervention plan based on identified problem areas as well as strengths in conjunction with the participant, family, and IDT
• Implements treatment programs designed by the OT, collaborates with the OT to identify measurable functional outcomes
• Administers treatment according to established treatment plan and procedures (i.e., ROM, strengthening, neuromuscular facilitation, body mechanics, splinting, edema control, functional activities, coordination, low vision and cognitive retraining, visual perceptual motor training, ADL’s, groups, participant, and caregiver education) Uses creativity and variety to achieve goals upgrading or downgrading activities accordingly Demonstrates safe and effective use of equipment
• Participates as an active member of IDT providing regular updates regarding the needs of the participants
• Explains occupational therapy (OT) services and OT intervention plan to participants, caregivers, and members of IDT
• Attends and participates in special committees and family meetings and provides in-services as requested
• Completes all documentation in a timely manner in accordance with department standards, for review and co-signature by the supervising OT
• Adheres to standards of care, clinical guidelines, and protocols in rendering care to the participants including precautions and contraindications
• Assists OT with ordering adaptive equipment, durable medical equipment, and supplies Reports and assists with issuance of DME and have the ability to perform minor equipment and wheelchair repairs as directed by competency requirement
• Consults with other PACE disciplines as directed regarding participant concerns and activity adaptations
• Provide supervision, guidance and assistance to rehabilitation aides and students in their delivery of services and reports as indicated to OT regarding pertinent issues
• Meets with the OT per Florida administrative code
• Utilizes appropriate safety measures when providing care to participants and other job duties
• Performs related non-clinical services necessary to maintain the efficient operation of the OT department, and adjusts schedule as required to meet the needs of participants
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of employee, participant, sensitive agency information and supports Quality Improvement efforts

Job Requirements

Education:

• Graduate of an American Occupational Therapy Association approved curriculum with a license to practice in the State of Florida

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience is preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current Florida State Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure
• Current BLS certification from the American Heart Association

Abilities Required

• Current knowledge of safety issues needed in the treatment of patients, especially regarding body mechanics and body substance precautions to protect self, patients and personnel working with therapist
• Effective written and oral communication skills Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Good problem solving and clinical judgment skills
• Demonstrate ability to take initiative, be adaptable and work well independently
• Be well organized, flexible, dependable, and punctual
• Ability to work well with staff, individuals, and participants of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Must be computer literate (Microsoft Office, Excel)

Functional Demands

Environment Work Conditions:

• Normal working condition with adequate lighting and ventilation

Infectious Material Exposure:

• Occasional exposure to blood/body fluids/tissues

Organizational Expectations

• Ensures that resident’s/patient’s rights are adhered to
• Demonstrates professionalism and accountability
• Demonstrates a caring attitude consistent with Miami Jewish EmpathicareSM toward MJH residents, patients, family members, employees, and other facility guests
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills
• Ensures confidentiality and security of patients’ medical information
• Identifies and utilizes appropriate channels of communication
• Able to speak, read and write English
• Able to think and act calmly to meet unusual occurrences of the job
• Adheres to the organization’s Mission, Vision and Values
• Participates in departmental activities, meetings and in-services and follows established guidelines
• Maintains a safe working environment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

We believe in the power of empathy, the value of relationships and the importance of a life well-lived. Come see why Miami Jewish Health is unlike anywhere you’ve ever worked before. We offer competitive compensation, medical/dental/vision coverage and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan for eligible full and part-time positions, free on-campus parking, an onsite fitness center and more.

Miami Jewish Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.