County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, the Occupational Therapy Aide assists the Occupational Therapists or Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants in activities with patients in areas such as arts and crafts and or portions of an occupational therapy rehabilitation program. The level of skills required is such that they may be learned on the job.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Under direct supervision of an Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Aides may be assigned to carry out pre-determined portions of an occupational therapy program with patients in areas such as activities of daily living. Occupational Therapy Aides may also be assigned to participate in construction of adaptive equipment, special inventory projects, routine clinic tasks, and related clerical duties in the overall functioning of the Occupational Therapy Department.

Occupational Therapy Aides do not assist in evaluating patient's physical capacities nor do they initiate treatment on a patient.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. As assigned, carries out structured patient program in activities of daily living training which may involve the use of appropriate types of aids such as reachers, dressing sticks, feeding aids, etc.
2. Assists an Occupational Therapist in instructing patients in various arts and crafts such as needlework, crocheting, and artwork. Uses power and hand woodworking tools and sewing machines for patients’ projects.
3. As assigned, carries out range of motion and other forms of passive, assistive, active, and resistive exercises, using such equipment as pulleys and weights: Follows an established, structured exercise program.
4. May provide written observation and comments on patient's response based on structured guidelines; confers with supervisor or other occupational therapists regarding problems and progress of patients.
5. Keeps equipment in orderly and functioning condition, cleans working areas, and assists in inventory/supply functions; keeps records of equipment/supplies as assigned.
6. Assists in ordering supplies used in an occupational therapy program.
7. As assigned, constructs adaptive equipment such as wash mitts, feeding aids, and wheelchair accessory bags.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of six months’ experience as a Nursing Assistant in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II
Experience:

The equivalent of six months of experience in providing sub-professional nursing care in a hospital setting, arts and crafts or recreational program in a recreational center, occupational therapy department of a hospital, institution or other organized setting.

Special Requirement:

Knowledge of principles of elementary anatomy and physiology desired.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• General arts and crafts activity.
• Safety precautions to be observed in patient care and in the use of various hand and domestic tools.
• General hospital routine, including equipment and procedures used in hospitals.

Abilities:

• Follow verbal and written simple instruction.
• Learn basic occupational therapy techniques used in an occupational therapy program.
• Learn basic operation of equipment used in an occupational therapy program.
• Gain the cooperation of patients and to instruct patients in exercise and other procedures as assigned.
• Prepares and maintains written records as assigned.
• Report patients' progress and problems with supervisor.
• Interpersonal sensitivity.
• Judgment/decision making.
• Oral communication.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

EB:laa
Retyped: 3/72
VS:pb
Revised: 8/91
Old document: 0551h
New document: Jobspecs/5800
ys/7/01
CSC Date: 10/23/91

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.