Occupational Therapy Assistant-Occupational Therapy

Job Description

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) supports patient care by implementing treatment plans under the direct supervision of an Occupational Therapist, assisting with therapeutic activities, and helping ensure safe and effective therapy sessions.

Responsibilities

Clinical Support:

• Assist the Occupational Therapist in delivering individualized treatment plans to enhance functional independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).
• Conduct delegated therapeutic activities, exercises, and interventions while ensuring patient safety and adherence to clinical guidelines.
• Support the Occupational Therapist in administering standardized and non-standardized assessments as assigned.
• Observe, monitor, and accurately report patient progress, functional performance, behavioral responses, and any concerns to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Accurately and promptly document therapy sessions in accordance with organizational, professional, and regulatory standards.

Equipment \& Treatment Preparation

• Assist in positioning patients for fabrication, adjustment, and maintenance of adaptive equipment and splints as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist.
• Prepare treatment areas, ensuring equipment is clean, safe, functional, and ready for use.
• Manage and track inventory of Occupational Therapy materials, supplies, and consumables to ensure efficient service delivery.

Patient \& Family Education

• Educate patients and families on therapy activities, home exercise programs, and proper use of adaptive devices, following the Occupational Therapist’s instructions.
• Encourage patient motivation, engagement, and participation throughout therapy sessions.

Administrative \& Team Support

• Maintain accurate patient records, attendance logs, and treatment notes as required.
• Assist in scheduling and coordinating therapy sessions and managing therapy-related materials and logistics.
• Participate actively in team meetings, case discussions, department initiatives, and quality improvement activities.

Professional Standards \& Compliance

• Uphold organizational health and safety standards, infection control practices, and confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Support interpretation and implementation of the department’s vision, mission, values, strategic plans, and relevant quality/accreditation standards (organizational, emirate, national, and international) to ensure excellence in occupational therapy service delivery.

Accountabilities

The Occupational Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to help patients develop, regain, or maintain functional skills needed for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited course in Occupational Therapy, (NLT 2 years syllabus)

AND

• Current National License as Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).

Required Experience

• NLT 2 years relevant experience within an acute hospital settings.

About Us

At SSMC, we firmly believe that the human touch is a fundamental part of care. We understand that health care is both an art and a science, running deeper than simply diagnosing and treating those who rely on us. Our SSMC Model of Care puts our patients at the forefront of our purpose and at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that the needs of our patients come first. Every one of our patients receives individualized attention from a multidisciplinary team of experts who collaborate closely to deliver trusted and compassionate care. From the very first point of contact with SSMC, to the moment patients are back home, we ensure speciality-specific care at every stage and in every interaction. As one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the UAE, SSMC provides access to specialist medical treatments and advanced diagnostics, with a commitment to becoming a Destination Medical Center in the UAE and wider region.

About The Team

About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)

SSMC is the largest tertiary hospital in the UAE and serves to elevate the provision of health care services in the nation under the mandate of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030\.

Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 44 specialties. A team of locally and internationally trained medical, clinical and admin professionals work seamlessly together, which promotes comprehensive interdisciplinary learning, allowing SSMC to become a leading hub for integrated patient-centric medical services in the region.

As the region’s leading tertiary facility, SSMC has 742 patient beds, 18 operating theatres, and includes a hybrid operating room, 26-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and the UAE’s largest pathology lab.