• Occupational Therapy Assistant

    Pine Acres Rehabilitation & Care Center (Nebraska City, NE)


    Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

     

    Department: Rehabilitation

     

    Reports To: Occupational Therapist

     

    Classification: Department Staff

     

    We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our rehabilitation team. This is a rewarding opportunity to support residents in regaining function, independence, and quality of life under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist.

    Position Purpose

    The Occupational Therapy Assistant helps residents improve mobility, motor skills, and daily living abilities through guided therapeutic exercises and activities. This role works strictly under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist and ensures all care is delivered in alignment with state practice acts, federal regulations, and facility policies.

    Required Qualifications

    Candidates must have:

    + A valid, unrestricted OTA license in the state

    + Completion of all educational and licensure requirements

    + A valid driver’s license in the state of employment

    + Familiarity with skilled nursing and long-term care regulations

    Major Duties & ResponsibilitiesClinical Care & Support

    + Implement treatment plans created by the Occupational Therapist in accordance with AOTA guidelines and state/federal regulations

    + Assist with therapeutic activities that promote independence in daily tasks

    + Monitor resident progress, document all services rendered, and communicate changes or concerns to the Occupational Therapist

    + Request re-examination when appropriate based on resident condition

    + Educate and encourage residents during treatment sessions, offering hands-on assistance when needed

    Collaboration & Communication

    + Interview new or returning residents to support OT evaluations

    + Coordinate therapy scheduling with nursing staff as directed

    + Participate in interdisciplinary and rehabilitative team meetings

    + Maintain positive, professional relationships with residents, families, and staff

    + Provide insight and feedback to the Occupational Therapist regarding resident needs and treatment effectiveness

    Documentation & Compliance

    + Accurately chart resident progress and therapy minutes in the medical record

    + Assist with documentation related to billing, discharge planning, and regulatory requirements

    + Follow all facility policies regarding documentation, confidentiality, infection control, and professional conduct

    + Maintain readiness for regulatory surveys, audits, and inspections

    + Stay informed of state practice act requirements and changes in therapy standards

    Equipment & Environment

    + Ensure therapy equipment is used, stored, and sanitized properly

    + Identify environmental barriers or safety concerns and report them promptly

    + Utilize adaptive equipment such as reachers, grab bars, adaptive utensils, and mobility aids as appropriate

    Additional Expectations

    + Treat all residents with dignity, respect, and compassion

    + Uphold residents’ rights and support a safe, inclusive environment

    + Report concerns related to safety, compliance, or potential abuse immediately

    + Participate in emergency drills and follow facility emergency plans

    + Complete all required training and maintain competencies

     

    Skills, Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

    The ideal candidate:

    + Communicates clearly in verbal and written English

    + Works professionally with residents, families, staff, and external partners

    + Demonstrates patience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills

    + Can move throughout the facility, bend, lift, kneel, and perform physical tasks required for resident care

    + Can handle emotional or stressful situations with professionalism

    + Is comfortable working beyond normal hours, including weekends or holidays when needed

    + Can assist with resident evacuation during emergencies

    + Understands they may be exposed to odors, chemicals, infectious materials, and emotionally charged situations

    Compliance Expectations

    Employment requires adherence to all facility standards, ethics policies, and the compliance program. Compliance performance is reviewed periodically, and violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

     

    Reasonable Accommodations

     

    In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified applicants or employees upon request, unless such accommodations cause undue hardship.