This occupation is part of the Healthcare Support cluster
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About the Job
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
It is also Called
- Behavior Specialist
- Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)
- Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant/Licensed (COTA/L)
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant-Licensed (COTA-L)
- Health Service Worker
- Independent Living Specialist
- Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Occupational Therapist Assistant
- Occupational Therapist Assistants
What They Do
- Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
- Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.
- Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
- Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: SR.
This means people who work in this occupation generally have Social interests, but also prefer Realistic environments.
Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Relationships, but also value Achievement and Working Conditions in their jobs.
Things They Need to Know
- Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
- Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Things They Need to Be Able to Do
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Education Required
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Wages
In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $65,920.00 with most people making between $48,790.00 and $86,730.00
Outlook
During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 2,000 people in California. It is projected that there will be 2,700 employed in 2020.
This occupation will have about 70 openings due to growth and about 30 replacement openings for approximately 100 total annual openings.
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