Occupational Therapist Assistant

Job description

Join Cleveland Clinic’s Mercy Hospital where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world-class, and caregivers are family. Officially becoming a full member of the Cleveland Clinic Health System in 2021, Mercy Hospital offers a wide variety of medical specialties to the communities in and around Stark County. Here, you will work alongside passionate and dedicated caregivers, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.   

Occupational Therapist Assistants are directly involved in patient care, often helping occupational therapists implement a specific treatment or rehabilitation plan. Assistants help patients through various rehabilitative activities, observing and recording their progress throughout different stages of the process. They might also help patients in dressing or grooming themselves when they are physically unable to do so themselves. Occupational Therapist Assistants are integral in implementing a lasting plan of treatment to help patients in physical rehabilitation with their lifelong goals of recovery. 

A caregiver in this position works variable days and hours from 7:00AM – 4:30PM, which may include weekends. 

A caregiver who excels in this role will:  

• Administer patient centered Occupational Therapy treatment incorporating evidence-based practice and skilled techniques to achieve optimal functional outcomes, under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. 

• Communicate changes in patient status to the primary therapist.  

• Act as a clinical instructor and participate in the education and evaluation of students.  

• Act as a resource for volunteers and observers.  

• Participate in staff development, education programs and interdepartmental education. 

• Direct and supervise the activities of support personnel while retaining responsibility for patient care. 

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Associate’s degree or certificate 

• Graduate of an Occupational Therapy Assistant program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association 

• Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) 

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross 

 Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include: 

• Experience in a clinical area  

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk without assistive device and to maintain balance despite sudden load in order to support patient from falling.
• Ability to meet physical demands characterized at the heavy level defined by 1993 Leonard Matheson and Ministry of Labor.
• Ability to lift and reach with arms sufficiently to lift patient's extremity during therapeutic treatment program.
• Sensation of touch and manual dexterity to be able to palpate muscle tension or to monitor patient pulse.
• Visual acuity to observe patient's gross and fine motor movements in order to analyze these movements and to read all patient monitors.
• Ability to speak clearly enough to instruct patients and families.
• Ability to hear at a conversational level to understand patient's description of symptoms and response to treatment.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Pay Range

Minimum hourly: $28.00

Maximum hourly: $28.00

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).