National

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that help restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to disabled persons.

Sample of reported job titles: Occupational Therapist (OT), Registered Occupational Therapist, Staff Therapist, Assistive Technology Trainer, Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant

Also see: Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists

Tasks

• Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate those impaired because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
• Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
• Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental and physical capabilities.
• Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
• Complete and maintain necessary records.
• Train caregivers how to provide for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
• Recommend changes in patients' work or living environments, consistent with their needs and capabilities.
• Develop and participate in health promotion programs, group activities, or discussions to promote client health, facilitate social adjustment, alleviate stress, and prevent physical or mental disability.
• Consult with rehabilitation team to select activity programs and coordinate occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.
• Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work and school skills and adjust to handicaps.

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Tools & Technology

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Technology used in this occupation: