THE OT/OTA RELATIONSHIP As a student enters Level II Fieldwork, they will find it necessary to quickly establish relationships with their supervisor, professionals in other departments, clients and caregivers in order to deliver effective OT service. These relationships foster a cohesive working context which impact OT service delivery.   The variety of personalities, experience levels, degree of commitment and investment in the client and the department can create challenges for the student. It is important for students to develop awareness of these issues, methods of addressing challenges and further explore the developing role of the OTA in clinical practice. 10 Tips to Build an OT/OTA Relationship               Niccole Rowe, COTA/L Relationships are essential in occupational therapy. Many discussions and articles center around the relationship between patient and practitioner or between the practitioner and an employer. But let’s talk about another relationship that impacts every one of us as OT practitioners or future OT practitioners: the OT and OTA relationship. The OT and OTA relationship is dynamic and not confined to the clinical setting. Collaboration between these practitioners can take place in state associations, AOTA, volunteer organizations, and daily practice. Despite how often OTs and OTAs interact, many new and even seasoned practitioners are unsure when navigating through the expectations, supervision requirements, and nuances of this partnership. Use these tips to increase your confidence and strengthen your relationships with your fellow OT practitioners! 1. Use AOTA Documents as Resources  AOTA provides plenty of help to guide you through understanding the dynamic relationship between the OT and OTA during the OT process. AOTA’s Guidelines for Supervision, Roles, and Responsibilities During the Delivery of Occupational Therapy Services official document lays out what AOTA has determined to be best practice for this relationship. 2. Understand Your State Laws The licensure laws of the state in which you practice specify the legal aspects of this relationship. Find the laws in your state and read them. If you don’t understand something, ask! Use resources like your state board of occupational therapy as well as your state association to help decode the legal phrasing. 3. Understand It’s a Two-way Street When we think about relationships such as friendships, we understand that both people have to be accountable for keeping them growing and lasting. The OT and OTA relationship is the same way. Both the OT and the OTA should be putting effort into making the relationship a solid, well-working pairing. Even for things such as documenting supervision (if required by the state), both the OT and the OTA are responsible for making it happen, not just one side of the pairing. 4. Put That Ego Down No matter what you bring to the table—from having 10 years of experience, an advanced degree, or special certifications—check that ego at the door. You wouldn’t parade your accomplishments in front of your clients, so keep your approach to building the OT/OTA relationship humble and open. Don’t hide what you bring to the relationship, but be sure that you are open to sharing and learning from the other person, too. 5. Embrace Strengths and Weaknesses Self-awareness is a key characteristic of being an OT practitioner. Our training emphasizes understanding our own personal strengths and weaknesses. When working in an OT/OTA relationship, it is helpful to understand how your strengths and weaknesses interact with the other person’s. At the clinic where I work, I am easily excited about new projects and ideas, but I sometimes get bogged down in all of the new things I want to start. The OT I work with has an excellent perspective, especially when considering the big picture. She supports my enthusiasm, while also working with me to focus on one project at a time to streamline my efforts toward what impacts our clients the most. 6. Be Honest It seems like a simple suggestion, but often times it is difficult for us to speak up if we don’t understand a concept or what is being asked of us. Maybe you are new at a facility, and a practitioner asks you about a common assessment used there but you haven’t ever seen it administered in this practice area. Let the other person know about your concern. Trust is essential in the OT/OTA relationship. Being upfront about your abilities is important to building that trust and keeping clients safe. 7. Always Be Appreciative We have all felt unappreciated at one time or another. This negative feeling can trigger resentment and make us not want to put our full effort into our work. In the OT/OTA relationship, make the effort to express gratitude to the other person, not just for going above and beyond, but for the unique abilities they bring to the relationship. 8. Communication is Key As current and future OT practitioners we know that strong communication leads to better patient outcomes. It also helps keep the relationship between OTs and OTAs strong and resilient. Just like with our clients, practitioners communicate in different ways. It is always helpful to understand how the other person communicates and adjust your message to match that particular style. 9. Don’t Be Possessive When discussing the other person, either OT or OTA, refrain from using possessive terms. I often hear someone referring to a co-worker as “my OTA” or “my OT.” While a close working relationship builds feelings of camaraderie, it is important to not infer ownership of or dominance over one person. Courteously using non-possessive pronouns when discussing other practitioners is more respectful. 10. Celebrate Your Love of OT Always remember that the OT/OTA relationship is bound and propelled by the enjoyment and love of occupational therapy and working with others. On those tough days, there is always common ground to go back to and bond over. Remember to go back to your love of occupational therapy and your excitement over having a working relationship with those who love OT as much as you! These 10 tips can help you grow more confident in an OT/OTA relationship. Consider how these tips may also apply to the other professional relationships you currently have or may encounter.    SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE Provide examples of the relationship between the OTA and the OT in the clinical setting you are in, as it applies to the following: the screening and evaluation process  intervention process clinical supervision  development of a collaborative professional relationship