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Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

Under the supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapist assistant, an occupational therapy aide performs only delegated tasks in specific situations, including preparing the patient and treatment room. OT aides observe patients' attendance, progress, and attitudes, record and maintain client information, and report this information to supervisors; encourage patients and attend to their physical needs; supervise patients in choosing and completing work assignments; and evaluate living skills and capacities of disabled clients, among other duties. Occupational therapy aides, like occupational therapist assistants, require active listening, speaking and writing skills to communicate with patients, as well as skills in being aware of others' reactions, and actively seeking ways to help people. Both OT assistants and aides show concern for others, are cooperative and dependable, exercise self-control and flexibility, are able to tolerate stress, show attention to detail, and prefer working with others rather than alone. 

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