Typical Tasks
Prepare and maintain work area, materials, and equipment and maintain inventory of treatment and educational supplies.
Encourage patients and attend to their physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals.
Assist occupational therapists in planning, implementing, and administering therapy programs to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance, using selected activities and special equipment.
Report to supervisors or therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments.
Observe patients' attendance, progress, attitudes, and accomplishments and record and maintain information in client records.
A day in the life
What kind of work is this?
Social
Working with people
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
What personality traits do you need to succeed?
Cooperation
Concern for Others
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Integrity
Self-Control
What key skills are needed for this job?
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Active Listening
Coordination
Monitoring
Expected Knowledge
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Common Activities
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.