Occupational Therapist

Job Overview

Position: Occupational Therapist
Department: 5430 Rehab-Peds PT OT
Schedule: Day Shift, 40 hours weekly.
Rotation: Weekend/holiday rotation for coverage on the IP/ARU units.

About the Position

The Occupational Therapist evaluates each patient and provides medically prescribed occupational therapy treatments and education to patients to restore, improve, or maintain the patient’s optimal level of functioning, independence, and quality of life. Occupational Therapy is provided for treatment of physical disability and psychological disorders.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Evaluate each patient utilizing applicable diagnostic, prognostic, and functional ability tests.
• Re-evaluate patients’ status at appropriate intervals.
• Interpret evaluation data, history, and applicable medical documentation to determine rehabilitation potential and potential benefit from intervention.
• Identify physical, social, and psychological needs of the patient, family, and significant other.
• Utilize patient/family/caregiver input in setting functional rehabilitation goals.
• Document goals in functional, measurable terms with stated timeframes.
• Incorporate information gained in evaluation and assessment to determine appropriate, specific treatment plan for intervention.
• Demonstrate competence in performing all procedures and treatments required in the area of practice.
• Demonstrate awareness of continuity of patient care by following established plans.
• Modify patient care based on continual assessment of the patient and effect of treatment intervention.
• Demonstrate skills in identifying, interpreting, and incorporating patient’s psychological, physical, and social responses to intervention.
• Provide and/or recommend equipment or supplies for home use.
• Provide education appropriate to each patient’s level of understanding regarding evaluation, treatment, and self-responsibility.
• Instruct in home treatment program to facilitate rehabilitation and promote independence in care as appropriate.
• Collaborate with patient, caregivers, and other health care professionals in planning discharge from rehabilitation services.
• Initiate discharge planning at the time of initial evaluation.
• Confer and communicate with referring physicians and other appropriate persons through the use of progress notes, letters, evaluations, team meetings, and direct contact concerning the proposed course, progress, and discharge plan of each patient.
• Complete clear, concise, and clinically useful documentation in the medical record in a timely manner according to organizational policy.
• Provide clinical supervision to OTAs regarding patient assessment, implementation of treatment plan and protocol, and decision-making.
• Countersign OTA documentation in a timely manner in accordance with department procedure.
• Provide supervision at all times by direct contact (in person), by Voalte, or by phone during all hours services are provided.
• Provide direct supervision of holders of an IN temporary permit as defined by Code 844IAC6-1-2 to include a meeting with the actual presence of the supervising therapist or physician at least once each day. All documentation will be countersigned.
• Provide clinical supervision to OT and OTA students on site.
• Participate in and knowledgeable of QA&I activities.
• Ensure patient and departmental safety through work requests, following safety procedures and other appropriate measures.
• Supervise and direct OTA and rehab techs in the provision of care.
• Assume responsibility to see that new occupational therapy orders are promptly scheduled and notify Manager or Director when assistance is needed.
• Assist in orientation and training of new employees and students as appropriate.
• Conduct, participate in, and supervise the training and observation of medical and nursing personnel, students, and other persons in occupational therapy.
• Market and promote occupational therapy services appropriately.
• Assume responsibility for the direction of occupational therapy services as assigned by Manager or Director.
• Submit capital equipment recommendations as appropriate.
• Arrange for patient care items as appropriate. Responsible for maintaining appropriate supply inventory.
• Inform Manager or Director of department needs.
• Understand the significance of, and participate in, appropriate volunteer opportunities within the greater community promoting and supporting a higher quality of life for our region. These opportunities may include the enhancement of social, educational, spiritual, physical, or psychological needs within our service area.