Occupational Therapy AideAt — Hand Therapeutics

The Occupational Therapy Aide assists occupational therapist in providing high-quality patient care within an outpatient rehabilitation setting. Responsibilities include preparing treatment areas and equipment, maintaining cleanliness and organization of the clinic, assisting with patient flow, stocking supplies, performing scheduling and insurance verification. The aide helps ensure efficient clinic operations while providing courteous and professional service to patients and staff.

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Tasks:

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Under the supervision of the Lead Occupational Therapist the student will perform the following duties to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes:

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1. Observe and participate in the delivery of occupational therapy services for patients with orthopedic upper extremity conditions, including hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries.
2. Assist with preparation and organization of treatment areas, therapeutic equipment, splints, modalities, and patient education materials to support patient care.
3. Observe patient evaluations, treatment sessions, progress assessments, and discharge planning to gain an understanding of the occupational therapy process.
4. Participate in case discussions with the Lead Occupational Therapist to develop knowledge of clinical reasoning, treatment planning, and evidence-based practice.
5. Observe and analyze therapist-patient interactions, patient education strategies, and interdisciplinary communication within a healthcare setting.
6. Participate in quality improvement activities, including reviewing clinic procedures, organizing educational resources, and identifying opportunities to improve patient services.
7. Conduct supervised research on orthopedic diagnoses, rehabilitation protocols, and therapeutic interventions, and present findings during mentoring sessions.
8. Develop professional skills through daily mentoring, including ethical practice, cultural competency, professional communication, time management, and problem-solving.
9. Assist with patient scheduling coordination, treatment flow management, and clinic operations to understand the administrative and business aspects of outpatient rehabilitation services.
10. Attend regular supervisory meetings with the Lead Occupational Therapist to review learning objectives, discuss clinical observations, and receive performance feedback.
Complete reflective learning assignments and professional development activities designed to integrate academic knowledge with practical clinical experience.

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Training:

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The student will receive a comprehensive orientation to the clinic, including an introduction to clinic policies, procedures, safety protocols, patient confidentiality, and daily operations. Initial training will be provided through one-on-one instruction and observation with an experienced Occupational Therapy Aide, focusing on patient flow, treatment area preparation, equipment management, administrative tasks, and professional interactions with patients and staff. Throughout the training period, the Lead Occupational Therapist will provide daily mentoring, supervision, and feedback to reinforce learning, develop clinical understanding, and ensure competency in supporting the delivery of high-quality occupational therapy services.

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Learning Outcomes:

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1. Demonstrate professional, confident inter-personal relationship skills with patient and staff.
2. Demonstrate good communication skills with staff using medically acceptable language.
3. Demonstrate professionalism and good customer service.
4. Be comfortable relating to patients from diverse ethnicities and socio-economic status.
5. Develop empathy/sensitivity for the patient considering the effect of an injury to the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of the patient.