31-2011.00 Bright Outlook

Occupational Therapy Assistants

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.

Career Cluster:Healthcare & Human Services
Job Family:Healthcare Support
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Industry:Health Care and Social Assistance
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Key Tasks

  • Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
  • Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
  • Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
  • Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
  • Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
  • Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
  • Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
  • Attend continuing education classes.
  • Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
  • Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of clients with physical, developmental, or mental health disabilities.
  • Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
  • Work under the direction of occupational therapists to plan, implement, or administer educational, vocational, or recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments.
  • Assemble, clean, or maintain equipment or materials for patient use.
  • Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
  • Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
  • Design, fabricate, or repair assistive devices or make adaptive changes to equipment or environments.
  • Attend care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.
  • Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
  • Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual or creative arts or games.
  • Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
  • Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
  • Assist educational specialists or clinical psychologists in administering situational or diagnostic tests to measure client's abilities or progress.

Skills

Speaking
72%
Social Perceptiveness
72%
Active Listening
72%
Service Orientation
72%
Reading Comprehension
66%
Time Management
63%
Monitoring
60%
Critical Thinking
60%
Instructing
56%
Active Learning
56%
Writing
56%
Learning Strategies
56%
Coordination
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Systems Analysis
50%
Complex Problem Solving
50%
Persuasion
47%
Negotiation
47%
Systems Evaluation
47%
Management of Personnel Resources
41%
Operations Monitoring
35%
Mathematics
28%
Troubleshooting
25%
Management of Material Resources
25%
Science
22%
Operation and Control
22%
Quality Control Analysis
22%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Technology Design
19%
Operations Analysis
16%
Equipment Maintenance
16%
Programming
10%
Equipment Selection
10%
Repairing
6%
Installation
3%

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
92%
Psychology
83%
Education and Training
72%
English Language
69%
Therapy and Counseling
68%
Public Safety and Security
61%
Sociology and Anthropology
54%
Administrative
53%
Medicine and Dentistry
51%
Computers and Electronics
50%
Administration and Management
49%
Law and Government
44%
Philosophy and Theology
38%
Personnel and Human Resources
37%
Biology
35%
Foreign Language
33%
Engineering and Technology
32%
Mathematics
29%
Communications and Media
28%
Mechanical
26%
Transportation
23%
Telecommunications
23%
Physics
17%
Chemistry
15%
Geography
14%
Economics and Accounting
14%
Design
13%
Sales and Marketing
12%
Building and Construction
12%
Production and Processing
10%
History and Archeology
7%
Fine Arts
7%
Food Production
7%

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Abilities

Oral Expression
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Problem Sensitivity
69%
Written Expression
69%
Written Comprehension
66%
Near Vision
63%
Speech Clarity
60%
Deductive Reasoning
60%
Information Ordering
60%
Speech Recognition
56%
Inductive Reasoning
56%
Fluency of Ideas
53%
Static Strength
53%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
50%
Category Flexibility
50%
Finger Dexterity
50%
Trunk Strength
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Manual Dexterity
50%
Time Sharing
47%
Originality
47%
Perceptual Speed
44%
Extent Flexibility
44%
Far Vision
44%
Multilimb Coordination
44%
Visualization
41%
Flexibility of Closure
38%
Memorization
35%
Gross Body Coordination
35%
Auditory Attention
31%
Stamina
31%
Dynamic Strength
31%
Control Precision
31%
Speed of Closure
31%
Wrist-Finger Speed
28%
Response Orientation
28%
Number Facility
25%
Reaction Time
25%
Speed of Limb Movement
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Depth Perception
25%
Gross Body Equilibrium
25%
Visual Color Discrimination
25%
Hearing Sensitivity
22%
Rate Control
22%
Explosive Strength
13%
Spatial Orientation
13%
Sound Localization
3%
Night Vision
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
95%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
95%
Assisting and Caring for Others
94%
Thinking Creatively
89%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
87%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
84%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
80%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
80%
Performing General Physical Activities
79%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
78%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
77%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
77%
Getting Information
76%
Working with Computers
74%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
73%
Handling and Moving Objects
71%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
71%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
70%
Scheduling Work and Activities
65%
Training and Teaching Others
65%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
63%
Developing and Building Teams
63%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
62%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
60%
Processing Information
60%
Coaching and Developing Others
59%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
59%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
55%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
53%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
51%
Analyzing Data or Information
49%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
36%
Controlling Machines and Processes
35%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
33%
Performing Administrative Activities
31%
Selling or Influencing Others
27%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
21%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
21%
Staffing Organizational Units
18%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
18%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
12%

Work Context

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

99%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

96%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

96%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

93%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

92%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

92%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

91%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

90%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

89%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

87%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

87%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

87%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

83%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

81%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

79%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

78%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

77%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

76%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

73%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

64%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

63%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

60%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

59%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

57%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

55%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

50%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

49%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

47%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

45%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

45%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

43%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

40%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

40%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

39%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

32%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

31%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

30%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

29%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

28%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

25%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

24%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

23%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

20%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

14%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

14%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

11%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

10%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

8%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

7%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

4%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

4%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

3%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

1%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Education

Associate's degree

92%

Some college, no degree

5%

Bachelor's degree

3%

Interests

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

88

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

47

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

44

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

41

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

19

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

2

Work Styles

Empathy
100%
Dependability
86%
Cooperation
81%
Attention to Detail
77%
Social Orientation
75%
Integrity
70%
Optimism
67%
Perseverance
65%
Self-Control
64%
Sincerity
63%
Stress Tolerance
61%
Adaptability
57%
Cautiousness
55%
Achievement Orientation
48%
Humility
48%
Self-Confidence
45%
Initiative
40%
Innovation
38%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
37%
Intellectual Curiosity
35%
Leadership Orientation
24%

Work Values

Relationships
83%
Achievement
67%
Working Conditions
64%
Support
61%
Independence
56%
Recognition
28%

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