This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is specialized work assisting an Occupational Therapist in a state facility for persons with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities.
Plans and implements occupational therapy treatment activities for individuals or groups of clients under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
Reviews and discusses client treatment plans with a professional Occupational Therapist; assists with the development of long and short-term program goals, therapy techniques, and therapeutic media to develop, improve, and/or restore the performance of necessary functions; and compensates for dysfunction and/or minimizes debilitation in the areas of independent daily living, sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial skills.
Assists clients in performing therapeutic activities such as: active, active assistive, passive, and resistive exercises; vibration; inhibition; and/or facilitation, as outlined in the treatment plan and assigned by a professional Occupational Therapist.
Gathers supplies; selects and/or constructs adaptive equipment to be used in the treatment process.
Administers assessment tools, as directed by a professional Occupational Therapist, to collect pertinent client data.
Receives instructions from professional Occupational Therapists on proper use of adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, utensils, and in proper techniques of the therapeutic process.
Confers with other therapy staff, interdisciplinary treatment team members, clients, and family members regarding client needs and treatment alternatives.
Observes, documents, and reports client behavior and responses to treatment plan directed by a professional Occupational Therapist.
Supervises or provides guided leadership to lower-level staff in implementing occupational therapy treatment programs; conducts in-service training for direct-care personnel; and demonstrates various techniques such as client positioning, therapeutic feeding, lifting, and seating.
Conducts periodic rounds of client living areas and checks application of occupational therapy program by direct-care personnel; observes techniques used in feeding and seating programs; and checks adaptive devices for sanitary conditions and proper fitting.
Provides recommendations regarding the continuation or discontinuation of occupational therapy services and/or referrals for other types of service.
Evaluates inventory of materials, supplies, tools, and equipment used in programs; recommends related purchases.
Exercises independent judgment and initiative in the performance of assigned duties; receives supervision from a professional Occupational Therapist who reviews work for quality and achievement of program objectives.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
Possession of a current license to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the State of Missouri.
(A current limited permit to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the State of Missouri is acceptable in meeting this requirement at the time of appointment.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Intermediate knowledge of human behavior as related to the principles and practice of occupational therapy.
Intermediate knowledge of the general principles, methods, materials, and equipment used in occupational therapy.
Intermediate knowledge of the problems, attitudes, and needs of persons with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities.
Intermediate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as related to the practice of occupational therapy.
Introductory knowledge of human growth and development.
Introductory knowledge of kinesiology as related to the practice of occupational therapy.
Introductory knowledge of the use of adaptive equipment and utensils designed to assist in self-help tasks.
Ability to plan, organize, lead, vary, and adapt planned therapeutic activities in accordance with client needs.
Ability to follow complex instructions.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.
Ability to observe, recognize, and report significant changes in client behavior.
Ability to select appropriate therapy techniques for clients within supervisory guidelines.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, family members, and facility staff.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits