Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Implement occupational therapy services for patients under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Services include treatment, standardized assessment data, and documentation. The Occupational Therapist Assistant works within the practice guidelines of the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Practice Act.

• Demonstrate and articulate sound clinical reasoning in treatment planning, implementation, and monitoring of patient progress.
• Recognize when standard patient protocols or treatment plans need modification to meet individual patient needs and report to the therapist.
• Understand the role of therapy in the context of the patient's age, total needs perspective, and environment.
• Perform age-appropriate advanced competency skills in area of practice and with respect to individual patient's problems.
• Consistently report patient progress/status to the therapist to allow for updates to goals and modifications to the treatment program.
• Recommend discharge of patient at the point of optimal benefit of treatment, making appropriate provision for continuing services if needed.
• Consistently meet patient care productivity standards for the position.
• Work cooperatively with peers to contribute to the overall productivity of the team.
• Utilize support personnel (aides, senior aides) when appropriate and available.
• Actively support and participate in cross-coverage efforts in the division.
• Assess the learning needs and capabilities of patients and caregivers with regard to age, level of understanding, and emotional status.
• Utilize appropriate methods and materials for effective learning, monitor response to education, and adapt the program appropriately.
• Ensure that patient/family understands when and how to receive further treatment.
• Ensure patient care documentation is timely, legible, and efficient.
• Ensure notes are concise, pertinent, and meet departmental documentation standards.
• Provide oral reporting that is clear, concise, relevant, and timely.
• Perform all required data collection for the department accurately and within the expected time frame.
• Consistently meet peer review standards.
• Collaborate effectively with other members of the health care team.
• Provide clinical education experiences for students as requested by the supervisor.
• Take one to two students for long-term affiliations.
• Adjust supervisory techniques to individual student needs.
• Provide outreach as requested, which may include in-services on related topics, seeking referrals, and interacting with volunteers or visitors.
• Participate in data collection for research activities to enhance clinical outcomes.

• Associate's degree in occupational therapy.

• Level I: No experience necessary beyond required education.
• Level II: Three years of related occupational therapy experience.
• Level III: Five years of occupational therapy assistant experience, with two years at DUHS.

• Occupational Therapist Assistant licensure in the state of North Carolina.