OTA SKILLS AND SUPERVISION

The function of the OTA is to provide quality occupational therapy services to clients in collaboration with an OT. The OTA can advance from entry level to advanced level, based on experience, education, and competency.   The OTA must meet state licensure requirements and NBCOT certification (when required). The OTA focused upon developing progressive levels of expertise will require work experience, complete self-assessment to identify need areas for skill development, and continuing education. Some positions will require advanced degrees.

Entry Level Skills (in collaboration with an OT)

• Adapt treatment environment, tools, materials, and activities according to client needs
• Assists with data collection and evaluation
• Benefits from direct or close supervision depending on the skill level of therapist and complexity of caseload
• Contribute to daily schedule
• Develop treatment goals
• Function according to AOTA’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
• Identify and pursue professional growth and development
• Implement and coordinate intervention plan
• Interact with team members and family/caregivers
• Involved in infection control processes
• Maintain required records and documentation
• Maintain treatment area, equipment, and supply inventory as required
• Marketing and public relations activities
• Monitor performance and identifies supervisory needs
• Performs CQI or program evaluation
• Provide direct service to clients
• Responds to request for services according to policy

Intermediate Skills

• Administer standardized tests once competency is established
• Benefits from routine supervision
• Formulate discharge and transition plans
• Modify treatment to reflect changing needs of client
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures
• Participate in fieldwork education
• Schedules own caseload
• Select, adapt, and implement intervention
• Supervise volunteers, OTAs, OTA students

Advanced Level Skills

• Contribute to outcome studies as a research assistant
• Contribute to program planning and development
• Educates others in service competency
• Requires general supervision from manager
• Serve as a resource person in areas of specific expertise

It is critical OTAs perform routine self-assessment to identify skills requiring updating or fine tuning. This will also help identify additional information needed by the therapist to ensure clients receive safe, ethical, and evidence-based intervention.