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Occupational Therapists

SOC 29-1122.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers occupational therapy practice across hospital, outpatient, community, and institutional settings, spanning direct patient care, program development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and organizational leadership for adults and across the lifespan.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Standardized assessment instruments — administer under clinical supervision to evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities in an acute care or outpatient setting.
  2. Medical and therapy records — complete and maintain accurately using electronic health record software under direct supervision in a hospital or institutional environment.
  3. Occupational therapy program materials — lay out, clean, and repair tools such as puzzles, scissors, and adaptive utensils in preparation for scheduled therapy sessions.
  4. Patient disability profiles — review and interpret medical data with supervisor guidance to identify preliminary rehabilitation needs across clinical contexts.
  5. Therapy activity selections — identify age- and ability-appropriate tasks that support work and life-management skill development under practitioner direction.
  6. Caregiver communication — assist senior therapists in delivering basic instructions to caregivers regarding patient support needs during structured therapy sessions.
  7. Patient progress observations — document behavioral and functional changes using standardized formats under clinical oversight in rehabilitation settings.
  8. Occupational therapy program schedules — organize and coordinate session logistics, materials, and room setup following established departmental protocols.
  9. Active listening and social perceptiveness — apply during initial patient interviews to gather accurate occupational history under close clinical mentorship.
  10. Medical terminology and clinical language — use correctly in written documentation and verbal reporting within interdisciplinary healthcare team environments.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Comprehensive patient evaluations — conduct independently, integrating physical, cognitive, and psychosocial data to establish realistic rehabilitation goals in outpatient or community settings.
  2. Individualized occupational therapy programs — plan and implement with limited oversight, adapting evidence-based interventions to patients recovering from illness, injury, or developmental challenges.
  3. Progress evaluation reports — prepare and communicate to referring physicians and interdisciplinary teams, detailing measurable functional gains in hospital or institutional contexts.
  4. Work and school skill programs — design and lead structured social and vocational activities that help patients adjust to physical or psychological limitations in rehabilitation environments.
  5. Therapeutic activity sequences — select and modify tasks within a patient's cognitive and physical capabilities, applying inductive reasoning to refine intervention approaches.
  6. Caregiver training sessions — conduct with moderate independence, providing practical instruction on home care techniques and adaptive strategies following discharge planning conferences.
  7. Electronic health records and billing software — maintain complete, timely, and compliant documentation that meets regulatory standards across clinical practice settings.
  8. Time management and caseload coordination — balance multiple patient schedules and documentation demands efficiently within a fast-paced clinical or community health environment.
  9. Adaptive equipment recommendations — evaluate patient needs and prescribe assistive devices appropriate to functional limitations in home, school, or workplace contexts.
  10. Interdisciplinary collaboration — coordinate care plans with physicians, physical therapists, and social workers, contributing occupational therapy expertise within team-based rehabilitation programs.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex functional assessments — perform autonomously across pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, synthesizing medical data and standardized test results to establish individualized rehabilitation goals in diverse clinical contexts.
  2. Non-routine rehabilitation programs — design and lead occupational therapy interventions for patients with multi-system disabilities or comorbid psychological conditions across hospital, community, and institutional settings.
  3. Outcome measurement and quality reporting — evaluate program-wide patient progress data, prepare detailed clinical reports, and apply systems evaluation methods to improve therapeutic effectiveness.
  4. Vocational and life-skills curricula — develop comprehensive, occupation-centered programs that address work reintegration and independent living for patients with complex physical or developmental limitations.
  5. Critical clinical judgment — exercise independent decision-making in ambiguous or high-acuity cases, applying deductive and inductive reasoning to resolve non-standard therapeutic challenges.
  6. Caregiver and family education — design and deliver structured training programs that build sustainable home-management capacity for caregivers of patients with chronic or progressive conditions.
  7. Advanced assistive technology integration — evaluate and implement specialized medical software, OCR scanning tools, and computer-based training systems to augment patient function and independence.
  8. Interprofessional care leadership — coordinate and advocate for occupational therapy's role within complex, multi-disciplinary treatment teams serving medically complex patient populations.
  9. Evidence-based practice application — systematically incorporate current research literature and clinical guidelines into individual treatment planning and program development across all service settings.
  10. Regulatory compliance and ethical practice — ensure all documentation, billing, and patient interaction practices meet professional, legal, and institutional standards without supervisory review.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Occupational therapy service lines — establish strategic direction, scope, and quality benchmarks for departmental or organizational programs serving diverse patient populations across a healthcare system.
  2. Clinical supervision and workforce development — mentor and evaluate emerging and developing occupational therapists, structuring competency-based learning pathways within academic medical centers or large rehabilitation organizations.
  3. Organizational rehabilitation policy — lead the design and implementation of institution-wide protocols governing occupational therapy assessment, documentation, and outcomes measurement across all practice settings.
  4. Community and population health programs — architect large-scale occupational therapy initiatives addressing disability, aging, and developmental needs at the community, regional, or public health system level.
  5. Research and knowledge translation — direct clinical research programs, disseminate findings through publication or professional conference presentation, and integrate evidence into organizational and field-level practice standards.
  6. Interdisciplinary system integration — lead cross-functional coalitions of physicians, administrators, educators, and payers to embed occupational therapy services into value-based care and integrated delivery models.
  7. Technology and innovation strategy — evaluate and champion adoption of emerging medical software, digital health tools, and assistive technologies that advance patient outcomes at organizational scale.
  8. Caregiver and community training ecosystems — design scalable education programs for caregivers, community health workers, and allied health staff, extending the reach of occupational therapy expertise beyond direct clinical care.
  9. Accreditation and regulatory leadership — represent the organization in interactions with licensing bodies, accrediting agencies, and professional associations, shaping compliance standards and advocacy priorities.
  10. Ethical and cultural stewardship — model and institutionalize values of empathy, equity, and social orientation in organizational culture, policy, and patient care practices across all occupational therapy service contexts.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted documentation drafting — uses an AI writing tool to generate initial drafts of session notes and progress records, then reviews and corrects clinical details before submission Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic AI orientation — identifies which routine administrative tasks, such as scheduling reminders or template-based report generation, are appropriate to hand off to AI tools versus which require direct clinical judgment Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Patient record summarization — directs an AI assistant to synthesize incoming medical histories and evaluation data into structured summaries, then verifies clinical accuracy against source documents before incorporating into treatment planning Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Goal-setting research support — queries an AI tool to surface evidence-based rehabilitation benchmarks and activity recommendations, then applies professional judgment to adapt outputs to each patient's functional capabilities Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Documentation efficiency — delegates the formatting and population of standardized forms and care-plan templates to an AI assistant, reclaiming time for direct patient interaction and hands-on assessment Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Individualized program design assistance — uses AI to generate candidate activity sequences for work-skills or life-management training, then critically evaluates each option against the patient's cognitive, physical, and psychosocial profile before adoption Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Outcome-data analysis — instructs an AI tool to identify patterns across a patient's longitudinal evaluation scores, then interprets findings to adjust rehabilitation goals with clinical nuance that automated analysis cannot supply Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Interdisciplinary communication drafting — employs AI to draft referral letters, discharge summaries, and team-communication documents, retaining authorship of clinical reasoning and specific therapeutic recommendations.
  4. Community-program planning support — leverages AI to scan literature and policy resources for best-practice occupational therapy program models, then synthesizes and contextualizes results for specific institutional or community settings WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI integration governance — evaluates AI tools for clinical appropriateness, bias risk, and workflow fit across an occupational therapy department, establishing protocols that define when AI outputs require mandatory clinician override Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Complex case orchestration — coordinates AI-assisted data aggregation, evidence retrieval, and draft documentation across multidisciplinary cases involving multiple specialists, while maintaining sole accountability for clinical reasoning and patient-centered goal prioritization Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Workforce capability development — trains junior occupational therapists to critically appraise AI-generated rehabilitation recommendations, embedding verification habits that protect against over-reliance given the occupation's moderate automation-feasibility profile Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 43
Augment share: 4.3%
Time saved: 94.9%
AI autonomy: 2.14
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Service Orientation
Score: 57.3 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication9 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient intake communication — elicits basic occupational history and presenting concerns through structured interview while maintaining empathetic rapport with clients and families Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Documentation basics — records session notes and initial evaluation findings in standardized formats under supervision O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Caregiver instruction — explains home exercise programs and adaptive techniques to caregivers using plain language adjusted to their comprehension level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary reporting — conveys patient progress and goal status to physicians, nurses, and social workers through verbal updates and written summaries O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Progress documentation — prepares detailed, evidence-based progress reports that accurately reflect functional gains, barriers, and updated rehabilitation goals for medical records and insurance review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Client goal negotiation — facilitates collaborative goal-setting conversations with patients and families, translating clinical findings into meaningful occupational outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Community presentation — delivers psychoeducational programming to community groups about disability management and adaptive living strategies O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-system advocacy communication — authors professional correspondence, policy briefs, and consultation reports that influence care protocols across institutional and community settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Training program communication — designs and delivers structured didactic content to OT students, aides, and interdisciplinary staff on evaluation and intervention methods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Session facilitation — leads individual therapy sessions independently, managing activity sequencing and client engagement within a structured treatment plan Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Material preparation leadership — organizes therapy tools such as puzzles, utensils, and adaptive equipment in preparation for sessions, ensuring readiness and safety O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Program coordination — contributes to the planning and scheduling of occupational therapy programs within hospital or outpatient settings under department guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Aide supervision — directs OT assistants and rehabilitation aides in implementing assigned portions of treatment plans while monitoring fidelity to clinical goals O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Program development leadership — plans, organizes, and conducts comprehensive OT programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings that serve clients with diverse diagnostic profiles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Caregiver training leadership — leads structured training sessions for family members and professional caregivers, building their capacity to support client needs post-discharge O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Department-level program innovation — designs and implements new occupational therapy service lines or community reintegration initiatives, securing stakeholder buy-in and measuring population-level outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional mentorship — mentors early-career occupational therapists and fieldwork students, modeling clinical reasoning, ethical practice, and reflective supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Self-monitoring in assessment — recognizes personal knowledge gaps when administering standardized evaluations and seeks clinical supervisor guidance before proceeding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Reflective journaling — documents personal learning observations after client sessions to identify patterns in clinical reasoning development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Clinical reasoning awareness — identifies the cognitive steps used to translate evaluation data into treatment priorities, articulating rationale during supervision discussions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback integration — adjusts therapeutic approaches based on supervisor feedback and self-assessment of session effectiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Evaluation strategy calibration — monitors the accuracy and completeness of patient assessments in real time, adjusting testing protocols when initial tools fail to capture functional limitations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Treatment plan reflection — systematically reviews and revises individualized treatment plans by comparing observed client progress against established rehabilitation benchmarks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Practice model evaluation — critically examines the theoretical frameworks guiding personal and departmental OT practice, identifying misalignments between model assumptions and client population needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Lifelong learning architecture — constructs a structured personal professional development plan aligned with emerging evidence in occupational science, neuroscience, and assistive technology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Functional limitation identification — analyzes basic medical history and observation data to begin identifying how a client's diagnosis impacts occupational performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Activity analysis — evaluates the physical and cognitive demands of selected therapeutic activities to determine preliminary fit with client capabilities O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Differential goal setting — weighs multiple rehabilitation goal options against client values, prognosis, and environmental context to select realistic and meaningful targets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Data triangulation — synthesizes standardized assessment scores, clinical observation, and patient self-report to form a coherent picture of functional status O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Rehabilitation goal determination — tests and evaluates patients' physical and mental abilities, analyzes medical data, and applies clinical judgment to determine realistic, occupation-centered rehabilitation goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Discharge readiness analysis — evaluates patient progress reports and environmental factors to formulate evidence-based discharge and transition-of-care recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Intervention selection reasoning — critically appraises research evidence and client contextual factors to select among competing therapeutic approaches for complex presentations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program outcome evaluation — designs and applies systematic inquiry methods to evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy programs at the population level, identifying gaps and reformulating interventions accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical case analysis — leads ethical case consultations involving competing client, family, and institutional interests, applying structured ethical reasoning frameworks to reach defensible decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Team integration — participates constructively in interdisciplinary team meetings, contributing OT-specific observations about client occupational function Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Co-treatment participation — works alongside physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, or nurses in shared sessions under the direction of the lead clinician Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Family-centered collaboration — partners with clients and family members to identify meaningful occupational roles and co-develop intervention priorities that reflect the client's lived context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary coordination — coordinates treatment scheduling and goal alignment with physicians, case managers, and educators to support seamless client care transitions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Care team goal alignment — actively resolves conflicting rehabilitation priorities across disciplines by facilitating structured team discussions anchored in the client's functional goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Community partner collaboration — collaborates with vocational counselors, school staff, and community organizations to plan and implement work or school reintegration programs for clients with disabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Interprofessional practice leadership — establishes collaborative care protocols across departments or institutions, defining role boundaries and communication standards that improve team efficiency and client outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Systems-level partnership — builds formal partnerships with community agencies, employers, and payers to expand occupational therapy service access and advocacy for underserved populations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Professional boundaries — maintains appropriate therapeutic relationships with clients, families, and colleagues, recognizing and reporting boundary concerns promptly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Accurate documentation ethics — records only observed and measured findings in client records, avoiding embellishment or omission that could misrepresent functional status Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Confidentiality adherence — protects client health information in all verbal, written, and digital communications consistent with HIPAA and professional codes of ethics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cultural humility — adjusts therapeutic approaches to respect clients' cultural values, daily routines, and occupational identities without imposing clinician assumptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Accountability in outcomes — takes ownership of treatment outcomes by transparently communicating progress plateaus or goal revisions to clients, families, and the care team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Informed consent practice — ensures clients and caregivers fully understand evaluation findings, proposed interventions, and the right to decline or modify treatment before proceeding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical leadership modeling — establishes and upholds ethical standards within the OT department, addressing systemic issues such as billing integrity, scope of practice, and equitable service access Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Advocacy for client dignity — champions policies and practices that protect client autonomy, dignity, and access to meaningful occupation within institutional and legislative settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Activity adaptation — modifies standard therapeutic activities such as puzzles or self-care tasks to match a client's current physical or cognitive capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Novel material use — identifies everyday household or workplace objects that can substitute for formal therapy tools when standard equipment is unavailable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Individualized program design — creates customized activity sequences that embed therapeutic goals within clients' preferred occupational roles such as cooking, crafting, or parenting tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Social activity innovation — designs group social activities that simultaneously target skill-building and peer connection for clients in institutional or community settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Adaptive environment design — redesigns home or workplace environments with creative low-cost modifications and assistive solutions that maximize client independence within real-world constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Work skills program creation — develops novel work simulation programs that replicate job-specific demands within clinical settings, enabling clients to rehearse vocational tasks within safe boundaries Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Innovative intervention development — creates new evidence-informed OT intervention protocols that address unmet clinical needs, piloting and refining them through iterative client feedback and outcome measurement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Technology integration — integrates emerging assistive technologies, virtual reality, or telehealth modalities into occupational therapy programming in ways that expand access and functional outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Challenge acceptance — approaches unfamiliar diagnostic presentations or client populations with curiosity and willingness to learn rather than avoidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Supervision engagement — actively seeks and applies corrective feedback from clinical supervisors to improve evaluation and intervention skills Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Evidence pursuit — independently seeks current research on client conditions, accessing peer-reviewed OT literature and clinical practice guidelines to inform evolving treatment decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback reframing — responds to client plateau or regression by reanalyzing assessment data and adjusting intervention strategies rather than attributing lack of progress solely to client factors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuing competency development — pursues specialty certifications, advanced practice training, and continuing education in areas such as hand therapy, pediatrics, or cognitive rehabilitation to expand clinical range Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Outcome-driven iteration — systematically uses client outcome data to identify ineffective approaches and trial evidence-based alternatives, modeling iterative clinical improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational learning cultivation — establishes journal clubs, case review forums, or peer consultation structures within the OT department that institutionalize continuous professional learning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Resilience modeling — visibly demonstrates persistence and adaptive problem-solving when navigating complex or high-acuity caseloads, inspiring colleagues and students to maintain effort through clinical uncertainty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Present-moment client focus — maintains sustained attention during client sessions, reducing task interruptions and directing full observational awareness to functional performance and affect Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation awareness — recognizes personal stress responses during challenging client interactions and applies brief grounding strategies before re-engaging Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Intentional observation — deliberately slows clinical observation during standardized assessments to capture subtle changes in client performance quality, coordination, or pain behavior Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Therapeutic use of self — applies deliberate self-awareness of tone, pace, and body language to calibrate therapeutic presence to each client's emotional and cognitive state Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Attention management in complex caseloads — sustains clinical focus and prioritization accuracy across high-volume or high-acuity caseloads without compromising observation quality for any individual client Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mindful session pacing — monitors client fatigue, frustration, and engagement cues in real time and adjusts session intensity or transitions to maintain therapeutic alliance and optimal learning conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindfulness integration in treatment — incorporates mindfulness-based strategies into occupational therapy interventions for clients with chronic pain, anxiety, or cognitive impairment, adapting techniques to occupational contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Reflective practice leadership — models and teaches intentional self-monitoring and emotional regulation practices to OT students and colleagues as components of professional identity development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Persistence with resistant clients — continues therapeutic engagement with clients who express frustration or hopelessness, maintaining professional composure and consistent presence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. High-acuity exposure — sustains professional functioning when first encountering clients with severe physical impairment, traumatic injury, or complex psychiatric presentations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Plateau management — sustains motivation and therapeutic creativity when clients experience extended recovery plateaus, continuing to generate alternative interventions and maintain client engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional challenge navigation — maintains client advocacy and clinical standards when facing resource constraints, staffing shortages, or administrative pressures that threaten service quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. End-of-life and palliative care presence — provides meaningful occupational engagement and dignity-centered care to clients with terminal diagnoses, sustaining therapeutic purpose under emotionally demanding conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Complex caseload resilience — manages sustained caseloads involving multiple clients with severe or degenerative conditions without burnout, applying structured self-care and peer support practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systemic barrier confrontation — persistently advocates for expanded occupational therapy access, insurance coverage reform, or equitable resource allocation in the face of institutional resistance and bureaucratic obstacles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Crisis response leadership — leads the OT department's response during facility crises such as pandemic surges, mass casualty events, or major service disruptions, maintaining clinical continuity and staff morale under sustained pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors63 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Acute Care OT (Acute Care Occupational Therapist) · Assistive Technology Trainer · Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) · Early Intervention Occupational Therapist · Home Care Occupational Therapist (Home Care OT) · Home Health Occupational Therapist · Independent Living Specialist · Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant · Industrial Therapist · Inpatient Occupational Therapist (Inpatient OT) · Job Trainer · Occupational Therapist (OT)
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Service OrientationActive ListeningMonitoringSpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingInstructingCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionWritingActive LearningLearning StrategiesCoordinationTime ManagementComplex Problem SolvingSystems EvaluationOperations AnalysisSystems AnalysisNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesPersuasion
Knowledge domains
Therapy and CounselingPsychologyCustomer and Personal ServiceMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingBiologySociology and Anthropology
Abilities
Oral ExpressionInductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionSpeech ClarityInformation OrderingOral Comprehension
Work styles
EmpathyCooperationAttention to DetailDependabilitySocial OrientationAdaptability
Technology
Medical softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareWord processing softwareOptical character reader OCR or scanning softwareElectronic mail softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareBilling and invoicing softwareData base user interface and query softwareInternet browser softwareComputer based training software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
  2. Complete and maintain necessary records.
  3. Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
  4. Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
  5. Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
  6. Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
  7. Train caregivers in providing for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
  8. Lay out materials such as puzzles, scissors and eating utensils for use in therapy, and clean and repair these tools after therapy sessions.
CIP education codes
51.2306

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.